531.Antique Islamic Malay Wooden Kite Holders
Two Malay Carved Wooden Kite-String Holders
East Coast, Malaysia
19th-early 20th century
lengths: approximately 15-17cm each
Kite making and flying was a popular past-time among the Malays of the Malaysian peninsula’s East Coast. Wood carving is another important part of traditional Malay culture. These kite string holders bring together these two important aspects of traditional Malay culture.
Both are carved in soft wood in the form of stylised flowers redolent of the motifs often seen in traditional Malay silverware such as betel containers (
tempat sirih). Both have excellent patina suggestive of considerable age.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 531
SOLD