Antique Balinese Temple Statue – Añjali Mudra (Sembah) – c. 1890–1930 – 67.8 cm
€2,975Bid from €2,677.50
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Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Dimensions: H 67.8 × W 18.5 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Origin: Bali, Indonesia
Dating: approx. 1890–1930
Material: Hand-carved wood, polychromy and traces of gold leaf
Antique Balinese Temple Statue – Royal Figure in Sembah
A large and richly detailed antique wooden temple statue from Bali, executed in traditional Balinese sculpture. The figure stands with hands brought together in front of the chest in the revered Sembah posture, a traditional gesture of respect, devotion, and greeting. The high ceremonial crown, large ear ornaments, jewelry, richly decorated clothing, and refined facial features indicate the portrayal of a royal or divine figure. Behind the figure is a tall, tapering, and integrated back panel, giving the statue a distinctly sacred and monumental appearance.
Old Polychromy and Gold Leaf
Upon close examination and magnification, it has become clear that the surface consists of multiple historical decorative layers. Underneath and between the current dark, red, and colored surfaces, lighter base layers are visible in places. Additionally, clear traces of old gold leaf have been found in various locations. The original gilding is still visible, especially in the deeper and better-protected parts of the carving. On protruding areas, it has largely disappeared due to prolonged wear.
Traditionally Hand-carved
The underside forms an interesting part of the object. Under magnification, numerous overlapping tool marks are visible, consistent with traditional manual woodworking. The surface is not modernly milled flat and exhibits the irregularities expected from the manual production of a solid wooden statue. Natural shrinkage cracks are also present in the wood. The wear on the underside, rounded edges, and the heavily aged surface are consistent with an object that has been used and preserved for a long time.
Historical Restoration
The statue has been restored and refurbished in the past. A larger shrinkage crack in the wood was previously stabilized and filled in places. Traces of older repair work are also visible on the surface. These restorations are deliberately not concealed: they are part of the statue's history. The object is offered in its current state, with old wear, shrinkage cracks, loss of polychromy and gilding, and previous restorations clearly visible.
Dating and Authenticity
The combination of traditional woodworking, natural shrinkage, old repairs, layered polychromy, traces of gold leaf, and long-term surface and edge wear supports a dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, approximately 1890–1930. The result is a characterful Balinese statue where the original craftsmanship and the long history of use can still be clearly read from its surface.
Specifications
Object: Antique Balinese Temple Statue
Portrayal: Royal or Divine Figure in Sembah Posture
Origin: Bali, Indonesia
Dating: approx. 1890–1930
Material: Solid hand-carved wood
Finish: Polychromy with traces of gold leaf
Height: 67.8 cm
Width: 18.5 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Condition: Antique condition with natural wear, shrinkage cracks, loss of surface finish, and older restorations
Selling Price: €2,950
Additional details:
- Brand: 1stbuddha
- Style: Balinees
- Style: Antiek
- Material: Polychromie
- Material: Bladgoud
- Colour: Goud
- Colour: Meerkleurig
- Colour: Donker
- Period: 1890–1930
- availability: in_stock
- product_type: Beeld / sculptuur
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionGoodColorsRedMaterialWoodSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup