A pair of Javanese wooden polychrome painted wall panels, c. 1900 1900

Unknown artist

Wood
71 ⨯ 49 cm
ConditionGood
€ 1.200

Menken Works of Art

• About the artwork
  An exquisite pair of carved wooden polychrome relief hand-painted panels in original frames.
  Java (Indonesia), late 19th / early 20th century.
  
  The figure on the left panel of the first picture representing Brajadenta. With text at the bottom: 'R.Soeratinin Aro'.
  The figure on the right panel of the first picture representing wayang figure Bratasena, the young Bima. With text at the bottom: 'R.(=Raden) Brontoseno. Soerabaja', followed by a date.
  
  A fine example of Javanese folk art
  
  In some parts of Java, wooden plaques like these were placed on the wall around the entrance of the house, to protect the residents from evil spirits.
  
  Dimensions with frames:
  Length 71 cm, width 49,5 cm.
  Dimensions without frames:
  Length 56 cm, width 34,5 cm
  
  Condition:
  In a good old condition with some wear - see pictures.
  
  Provenance:
  From the collection of Dr. Hedi Hinzler, Leiden, the Netherlands. 
  
  Ref:
  Soebadio, Haryati - Pusaka Indonesische kunstschatten, p. 173.
  
  Worldwide registered and insured shipping.
  
  Take a look at our other listings for more Asian art, antiques, design, etc.
  
  Inv. No: A00281
  
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  The story behind the two Wayang figures:
  
  Bratasena:
  This puppet represents the character of the Bima also known as Bratasena (Bhima) in the Hindu epic Mahabharata which is performed in the Javanese wayang kulit, or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition. Bima is one of the five Pandava brothers and is recognised by his large thumbnail, that he used to attack his enemies.
  
  Brajadenta:
  Brajadenta is the third son of Prabu Arimbaka (Kala Tremboko), the giant king of the Pringgandani state with Dewi Hadimba.
  Brajadenta has a stubborn character, wants to win alone, is brave and wants to always follow his heart. He was very powerful, because of that his older brother, Dewi Arimbi, appointed him as the deputy king to hold the reigns of government for the Pringgandani state as long as Dewi Arimbi accompanied her husband Werkudara to live in Jadipati.
  
  At the end of his story, it is told that because he disagreed with the appointment of Gatotkaca, the son of Dewi Arimbi and Werkudara as king of Pringgandani, Brajadenta, assisted by his three younger brothers, Brajamusti, Brajalamatan and Brajawikalpa, rebelled because he wanted to absolutely control the country of Pringgandani.
  
  Gatotkaca crushed his rebellion with the deaths of Brajalamatan and Brajawikalpa. Brajadenta and Brajamusti managed to escape and take refuge in their nephew Prabu Arimbaji, the son of the late Prabu Arimba who had become king in the country of Gowasiluman in the Tunggarana forest. With the help of Bathari Durga, Brajadenta entered Pringgandini's country again to kill Gatotkaca.
  
  His efforts again failed. Brajadenta finally died in the battle against Gatotkaca.
  
  His spirit incarnated into an enchantment / magic and entered / merged into Gatotkaca's teeth. Since then Gatotkaca has supernatural powers; whoever gets bitten by it will surely perish.
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

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  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

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