Balinese Wooden & Polychrome Winged Lion (Singa Bersayap)

This free-standing wooden and polychrome image of a Balinese winged lion (singa bersayap or sometimes, singa ambara) would have been carved to adorn a temple (puri) complex where it would have been placed high up above an entranceway or in the eaves. It dates to the early 20th century.

It has a fierce countenance with bulging eyes, snarling mouth and flashing ‘S’-shaped tail. It’s wings are beautifully carved in relief with feathers emanating from flower petals – a typically Balinese confection. The spiky hair over the head is remarkable.

The lion stands on a plinth carved as a rocky outcrop.

The image is primarily coloured in red, blue, brown and black ochre. It retains traces of applied gold leaf

The lion or singa is an ancient symbol from India, where it is native, which denotes sovereignty and protection. On Java and thence to Bali, the motif was incorporated into Hindu-Buddhist iconography. On Bali, the singa motif typically is winged and adorn temples as guardian figures.

The condition is remarkably good and complete. There are no losses to the carved detailing. It sits firmly, without rocking.

 

Above: A related example, attributed to the 19th century, displayed in the Bali Provincial State Museum (Negeri Propinsi Bali), Denpasar, Bali.