Inventory no.: 2014

Antique Balinese Wooden Image

SOLD

Inscribed Polychrome, Carved Image of Rawana Kidnapping Shinta & Escaping on the Winged Demon Wilmana

Northern Bali, probably Buleleng

late 19th century

height: 33.5cm

This carved statue is carved in a dynamic, very three-dimensional manner and with polychrome and gold highlights. It shows the demon king Rawana on his mount Wilmana. Rawana has his left arm around Shinta, whom he has kidnapped. It is the partner statue to

Item 2015, a carved statue of Vishnu astride Garuda.

The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco also has a carved wooden sculpture of Rawana on Wilmana (minus Shinta) and a sculpture of Vishnu on Garuda both of which are an obvious pair, and both of which are attributed to north Bali, 1850-1900. According to Reichle (2010, p. 241), it is rare to find old Balinese statues that are intricately carved, and rarer still to find a pair.

The example here, most likely from Buleleng, northern Bali, shows the demon Wilmana carry both Rawana and Shinta, Rama’s wife, and is based on an incident in the Ramayana. In the Ramayana, Rama, the seventh incarnation Vishnu, descends to earth to protect it from Rawana. But Rawana kidnaps Rama’s wife, Shinta, and Rama and his army headed by Hanuman, attempt to retrieve her.

Each figure is shown with a crown, traditional Balinese court wear, and jewellery. Rawana has a red face, Wilmana’s face is red-brown, and that of Shinta has a more natural cream-brown hue.

The version of Wilmana here does not have the usual bird-like characteristics with which the demon usually is show. The wings, tail feathers and beak-like nose are not depicted. But his ferocity is, by means of fanged teeth and bulging eyes.

The front edge of the base is inscribed in black ink or paint with two lines of Balinese script.

Nineteenth century Dutch accounts noted the display of images of Rawana and Wilmana on Bali. One such image was even presented to a prince of Goa (Reichle, 2010, p. 243).

What were such images used for in the nineteenth century? Their precise function is not known. Most wooden statues were used as architectural elements but that is not the case with this example, which is too fine, and clearly was designed as a stand-alone piece. Reichle (2010, p. 241) comments that such images were likely designed as decorative items to adorn royal palaces.

The image is detailed and well carved. It has a fine patina; its significant age is obvious. The patina is not the result of weathering but more the simple passage of time. In any event, this and its partner statue, were sourced from the UK and both appear to have been in the UK for many years. There is some age-related cracking to the base. The item however is in a robust, stable condition.

The item was acquired in the UK and most probably was part of an old collection. It appears to have been in the UK for many decades.

Provenance

UK art market.

References

Ramseyer, U., The Art and Culture of Bali, Oxford University Press, 1977.

Reichle, N. (ed.), Bali: Art, Ritual & Performance, Asian Art Museum, 2010.

Inventory no.: 2014

SOLD