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Two wayang puppets, tell me more about them...

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by opoe, Oct 7, 2017.

  1. opoe

    opoe Well-Known Member

    I found these when we were dividing the good stuff at my belgian uncle's house. I know that they are indonesian and that they are wajang puppets, but that is as far as my knowledge goes. Who or what do they represent? How old?
    One is made of wood(he unfortunately seems to have lost an arm), the other is made out of leather, both two dimensional.

    Any Jewelry, or anyone else that knows anything about these creatures, could you share your knowledge on them?
    2017-02-07 13.29.55.jpg 2017-02-07 13.32.06.jpg 2017-02-06 19.53.40.jpg 2017-02-07 13.33.28.jpg 2017-02-07 13.34.58.jpg 2017-02-07 13.36.19.jpg 2017-02-07 13.35.51.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2017
    Christmasjoy and Any Jewelry like this.
  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    The first, wooden, one is a Wayang Klitik puppet from East Java.
    Wayang Klitik, named after the sound when two of these wooden puppets touch each other, are the rarest of all Wayang puppets.
    The character is a spiritual one, probably a Pandita or religious teacher. The position of the head indicates someone of refined, noble character.
    This one is not from one of the traditional Hindu stories, but from a later Islamic one. I have no idea what that spade-like thing is, that is probably part of a specific Islamic story this one is from.
    The missing articulated arm would have been made of leather and painted in the same colours as the wood.

    The second one is a Wayang Kulit, an all leather one. The stocky, rectangular shape is Balinese, Javanese puppets are more delicate and elegant. The carving of the leather is also less detailed and sophisticated than Javanese puppets.
    He has the jewellery of the aristocracy and of Hindu Gods. With that loose hair I think it is one of the manifestations of Shiva, probably as Ganapati, the commander of the nature spirits.

    The East Javanese Klitik one is 100% genuine and used. I think 1890s-1920s. If you ever want to sell him, please let me know.
    The Balinese Kulit one was probably a souvenir from the early days of tourism to Bali, the first half of the 20th century. Still worth more than the later ones, and attractive to people who go for the decorative value.
     
    Cindy MotZ, kyratango, opoe and 3 others like this.
  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Wayang play, in front of the screen, the shadows of the puppets are seen, and the flickering flame of the oil lamp, shaped like the sacred bird Garuda:
    [​IMG]
    Behind the screen, the 'dalang' or puppeteer with the puppets:
    [​IMG]
    The Garuda oil lamp used in Wayang plays, sacred light which enables people to see a glimpse of divinity by way of the shadows:
    [​IMG]
     
    pearlsnblume, Bakersgma, judy and 3 others like this.
  4. opoe

    opoe Well-Known Member

    Wow, thanks! I did not think that they were run of the mill 80s tourism stuff, a bit older than that but not this old, good to know, the wayang klikit will surely get a better place now(he now resides in my bathroom, but that is maybe a bit disrespectful to a distinguished gentleman of that age)
    I am not much of a seller, but if my circumstances get dire I might consider it, you will be the first I'll think of...
     
    Any Jewelry and judy like this.
  5. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Thanks opoe. Although I like the distinguished elderly gentleman very much, I sincerely hope your circumstances never get dire.
     
    Cindy MotZ likes this.
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