Antiques
Javanese Shadow Puppets
- Item Number
- 200
- Estimated Value
- 300 USD
- Opening Bid
- 75 USD
Item Description
Wayang kulit (shadow puppets) are the best known of Indonesian wayang, and the art form is one of the most oldest and most popular in the world. UNESCO designated wayang kulit as a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2003. Light from behind the puppets projects shadow images onto a screen or sheet between the puppet-master and audience. The puppets are controlled by poles (one for the body, two for arms). The stories are often drawn from the Hindu epics the Ramayana or the Mahabharata.
The two figures in this auction lot were purchased over 30 years ago by world-travellers. These figures are “performance grade” – a term I made up that does not really exist in Java – and are actual puppets used for performances. They are distinct from the “tourist grade” puppets, which are sold more as souvenirs than expressions of fine culture. “Performance grade” wayang typically have softer and more subtle coloration (extravagant coloring found in tourist grade items is not needed in shadow puppetry) while having more refined and delicate stenciling and cut-outs, which provides depth and variation to the shadow images. The subtlety and delicacy of these puppets is astounding.
The taller of the two figures is 26” from top to base of center pole. The smaller measures 20”, top to bottom. With an overlapping wall-display, the two would be roughly 15” wide. They can be easily hung directly to a wall with clear push-pins at joints for support, mounted in a frame, or stand in a base.
Item Special Note
The two puppets in this lot are in (surprisingly) good to excellent condition, considering their age, distance travelled, and overall usage. There are some minor signs of “wear and tear” including some small tears and creases. This does not detract from the beauty of the items; indeed, the level of craftsmanship of these items comes through when considering how well preserved they are.
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