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.
Symbolism
The sculpture depicts Singa Barong - a legendary guardian with features of a lion and a bird, symbolizing the forces of good, spiritual protection and cosmic balance. His open maw, fangs and expressive eyes were supposed to ward off evil spirits, providing protection to the place at which he was placed.
Historical context
In the cultures of Bali and Java, Singa Barong appear in dance rituals and rituals to ward off evil powers. Such sculptures were placed at temple entrances, palace gates and in the homes of priests (pemangku) as a material sign of spiritual protection and guardian of the cosmic order. During the colonial period, from which this sculpture may have originated, the blending of traditional forms with decorative elements inspired by Western art is evident, as manifested in the elaboration of the base and ornamentation.
Collector's value
This is a rare and authentic example of Balinese ritual art from the 19th century, which makes it particularly valuable on the market. Sculptures of this type rarely appear in the antiquarian trade, and their collector value is increasing as interest in them grows art of Southeast Asia. The item will be perfect for ethnographic and museum collections, as well as an investment in art with a soul.
Aesthetic qualities
The sculpture impresses with its strong expression of expression - The bulging eyes, open maw and ritual pose give it drama and power. Spiral patterns, floratures and rhythmic lines resembling tattoos deepen the mystical character of the figure. The original polychrome with visible traces of time adds authenticity to the work and gives it a The character of the object with history.
Application
Sculpture can act as a mystical guardian of space, decorations for oriental interiors, museum exhibitions, art galleries or therapy rooms inspired by Asian culture. It can also be part of the decor of hotels, spas and Asian restaurants - wherever the originality and symbolism of the Far East is appreciated.
In Balinese performances, Barong dance is a dramatic enactment of the battle between good (Barong) and evil (Rangda witch). This ritual, performed by local dancers in masks and costumes, has not only an artistic function, but also a therapeutic one - protecting against curses, bringing good luck and healing the community. Sculptures such as this one served as physical "anchors" for this spiritual energy.
Although the author of this carving remains anonymous, its style indicates a trained woodcarver from a workshop specializing in sacred ritual art. In Indonesia, there were hereditary families of artisans responsible for creating temple furnishings and ritual objects, and the woodcarving technique was passed down orally from generation to generation. The designs used in ritual art often had meanings known only to the priests, which emphasized their unique, spiritual nature. As a result, these artisans were seen as intermediaries between the human world and the spirit realm, and their works - such as the Singa Barong representation - served not only a decorative function, but primarily a protective and symbolic one.
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, bring spiritual energy to your interior and become the focal point 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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