A RARE BALINESE POLYCHROME WOOD STATUE OF TWALEN by Unknown artist
A RARE BALINESE POLYCHROME WOOD STATUE OF TWALEN by Unknown artist
A RARE BALINESE POLYCHROME WOOD STATUE OF TWALEN by Unknown artist
A RARE BALINESE POLYCHROME WOOD STATUE OF TWALEN by Unknown artist

A RARE BALINESE POLYCHROME WOOD STATUE OF TWALEN 1890 - 1910

Unknown artist

Wood
32 cm
Currently unavailable via Gallerease

Zebregs & Röell - Fine Art - Antiques

  • About the artwork
    North Bali, Singaraja, late 19th/early 20th century

    Standing on a square lotus base, in dancing pose, wearing a traditional cloth and crown.

    H. 32 cm

    Note:

    Twalen is the most powerful and mysterious of the four short, squat clown-like figures who serve as advisers and sidekicks of the main princely protagonist of Balinese stories. Known as punakawan, Twalen and his junior sidekick, Merdah, are on the side of the hero of the story, whereas Delem and Sangut, are on the side of the hero’s nemesis.

    The roles of punakawan can be compared to the Shakespearean fool because they are wise, often wiser than the prince, despite their antics and uncouth behaviour. Twalen also carries a mystical aura of representing the old pre-Hindu gods. He is much revered in Bali. His Javanese counterpart is known as Semar.
    The characteristics – short dwarf-like body, legs and arms, a large head with an animal-like snout, two widely spaced teeth, bare breast, large belly, checkered (kain poleng) sarong, a flower behind his ear – are all standard. The crown he wears indicates royal origins despite his rough exterior.

    The statue was probably part of a set of four depicting all four punakawan. Such images were sometimes kept within temples but in the beginning of the 20th century also were produced to sell outside temples, to the Dutch.

    We are grateful to Bruce Carpenter for his assistance with this catalogue entry.

  • About the artist

    It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

    Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

    As well you can find the following description:

    •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

    •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

    •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

    •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

    •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

    •“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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