The term “Punokawan” originates from Javanese puppetry, particularly wayang kulit, a traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry. In wayang performances, Punokawan refers to a group of characters typically depicted as clever, witty, and humorous servants or sidekicks. The most well-known Punokawan characters are Semar, Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong. They serve to provide comic relief, wisdom, and, at … Read more
This is a Kokeshi I have never seen before depicting Tengu Noh. Tengu are powerful guardian spirits of the mountains and forests in Japanese mythology. They are often depicted as bird-like creatures, possibly due to the elongated nose on the mask, which resembles a beak. Kokeshi dolls are traditional Japanese wooden dolls that have a … Read more
Kokeshi dolls are traditional Japanese wooden dolls that have a history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). These handcrafted dolls are characterized by their lack of arms and legs and a large head with a simplified body. Here’s a brief exploration of their charming qualities and cultural significance: Kokeshi dolls are appreciated for their … Read more
Another enigmatic piece still under research is a remarkable mask, most likely originating from Africa. Ongoing research suggests this mask may be a rare piece from Nigeria, made by people of the Eket tribe. Upon closer inspection, it became apparent to me that this piece is of great interest. Additional Details Artist: unknown Dimensions: Height … Read more
The sculpture depicts an Apsara, a celestial nymph or dancer from Khmer culture, particularly associated with the art and architecture of Cambodia. Apsaras are significant figures in Hindu and Buddhist mythology and are often depicted in classical dance poses that are integral to traditional Cambodian dance. They are considered to be celestial beings of great … Read more
Behold the serene sight of a sweet little girl enjoying her nap. Her chubby cheeks add to her adorability, making this vintage wooden piece a perfect addition to my collection. Additional Details Artist/Creator/Factory: unknown Dimensions: Height 12 cm, Width 16 cm Material: Wood Year: Vintage Origin: Thailand
This wonderful couple was handcrafted on the beautiful Island of Bali and depicts the epic Legong dance. The artist and year of creation are unknown. The dimensions of each piece are 31 cm in height and 21 cm in width. They are made of wood. Additional Details Artist/Creator: unknown Dimensions: Height 31 cm, Width 21 … Read more
This beautiful miniaturized room divider is crafted from rosewood and featuring jade panels. The intricate carvings on the rosewood frame add a touch of elegance, while the green jade panels provide a striking contrast and bring a sense of tranquility and luxury. Miniature dividers like this one are often used as decorative pieces in homes … Read more
These two masks from Ghana exhibit the cultural richness of West Africa in stunning detail. They are crafted from wood, brass, and beads and have intricate designs in vivid colors. They were created in the second half of the 20th century and originate from Ghana, a country in West Africa. Additional Details Dimensions: Height 33 … Read more
This image depicts a traditional Indonesian Wayang Golek puppet. Wayang Golek is a form of puppet theater art found predominantly in West Java and Central Java in Indonesia. These wooden rod puppets are intricately carved and painted, often representing characters from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and local folklore. The puppet in the … Read more