Singa Barong, polychrome wood, Indonesia, 19th century.
1800,00 zł
A striking polychrome wood sculpture depicting Singa Barong – a mythical winged lion, known from Balinese and Javanese traditions. The creature is shown in a watchful position, sitting on an ornate base with its mouth open and teeth bared. The figure’s appearance is completed by its distinctive bulging eyes, curled tail and mane. Its body is covered with linear motifs resembling tattoos, its breast is adorned with a wide necklace and its front paws with bracelets. The sculpture was most likely associated with a protective function, both in temple and domestic spaces.
Sprzedane
Symbolism
The sculpture depicts Singa Barong, a legendary guardian with the characteristics of a lion and a bird, associated in Balinese tradition with the idea of goodness and protection. The Barong motif, known, among other things, for the ritual Barong dance, symbolizes the struggle between the forces of good and evil and serves a protective function in the local belief system. Characteristic features of the representation, such as an open mouth, bared fangs and expressive eyes, have been linked to the function of warding off evil spirits and protecting the space in which the sculpture was placed.
Historical context
In the cultures of Bali and Java, Singa Barong representations functioned in the context of dance rituals and religious practices. Sculptures of this type were placed at the entrances to temples, within gates and in private spaces, where they played a guarding role. Their presence was part of established cultural practices related to the organization and protection of sacred and domestic spaces.
Collector's value
The perception and attractiveness of the object is influenced by its good state of preservation, including the preserved polychrome, as well as the characteristic form of the Singa Barong representation. The symbolism associated with Balinese tradition is also important, making the sculpture of interest to those interested in the culture of Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Aesthetic qualities
The sculpture is distinguished by its expressive expression, highlighted by its open maw, bulging eyes and the figure's watchful posture. Spiral patterns, reminiscent of tattoos, are visible on the surface of the body, building the mystical character of the representation.
Application
The sculpture can complement an ethnographic collection or a collection of Southeast Asian art, and at the same time function as an independent object in interiors referring to Indonesian culture. Its symbolic nature and decorative form make it an eye-catcher and find a good place wherever the originality and significance of Far Eastern iconography is appreciated.
In Balinese tradition, the Barong dance represents the symbolic conflict between good, personified by the Barong, and evil, represented by the Rangda. The show, performed with masks and costumes, plays an important role in local religious tradition. The Barong motif, present in both dance and sculpture, is among the most recognizable elements of Balinese iconography.
Are you interested in the art of Asia?
Order a unique sculpture of Singa Barong - a mystical guardian from 19th century Indonesia. This unique example of Oriental ritual art will enrich your collection and become the centerpiece of any space. Discover more original sculptures and artifacts from Asia at SYBARIS Early Art Gallery - where every item has a soul and a story.
| Weight | 3,8 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50 × 24 × 39 cm |
| Type |
Ritual sculpture / sacred art |
| Form |
Winged lion sitting on a decorative base |
| Materiał |
Polychrome wood |
| Kolorystyka |
Brown ,Red ,Yellows |
| Technika |
Full-plastic sculpture ,Hand carving ,Layered polychromy |
| Era |
The colonial era in Southeast Asia |
| Kraj pochodzenia |
Indonesia |
| State of preservation |
Missing wings, which are separate elements of the sculpture, otherwise very good, with original polychrome and beautiful patina |
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