Old Bali or Java Temple Deer Statue Indonesian Folk Art Carving

Details

Description

A rare and most charming authentic old Indonesian menjangan/kidang temple deer

19th century, Bali or Java, Sunda Indonesia islands, Southeast … Read more A rare and most charming authentic old Indonesian menjangan/kidang temple deer

19th century, Bali or Java, Sunda Indonesia islands, Southeast Asia

Known as a menjangan or kidang depending on the local region, the deer (as well as antlers) is an important cultural symbol and considered scared, frequently found in religious temples and home shrines, these symbolic objects used in ritual worship and ceremonies.

A rare and extraordinary example, this large scale primitive handmade figure was carved from a single solid piece of tropical wood, almost certainly an architectural ornament / temple statue, the figural form depicting a stylized stag Javan deer, mounted with a pair of natural four point antlers that still retain remnants of fur at the base, sculpted full body rendering standing upright over a base with angular pyramid elements with traditional Balinese sun bas reliefs.

Naturalistically detailed and finished on all sides, the whimsical folk art deer's attractive appearance is enhanced by the beautifully worn and faded red pigments, the richly textured hand sculpting, various carved and chiseled tool marks, square cutout to the topside that likely mounted it in the temple, organic elements, age related fissures, and authentic weathered original patina!

Dimensions: (approx)
16" high, 18" long, 8.5" wide

Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired at Round Top Antique Fair, Round Top, Texas, from a highly reputable Houston, Texas art and antiques dealer. See less