Mid-Century Balinese Art Deco Seated Janger Dancer With Fan Sculpture

Details

Description

An extraordinary, highly detailed mid-century Balinese Art Deco sculpture depicting a seated Janger dancer gracefully holding her traditional folding dance … Read more An extraordinary, highly detailed mid-century Balinese Art Deco sculpture depicting a seated Janger dancer gracefully holding her traditional folding dance fan (Kipas). Standing 12 inches tall, this exceptional piece represents a definitive example of the post-war Indonesian woodcarving renaissance, showcasing a brilliant blend of traditional performance arts and mid-century modern design principles.

The figure is hand-carved from a single solid block of premium, light-caramel tropical Satinwood. The dancer is styled in full theatrical regalia, wearing a spectacular, wide flared headdress (Gelungan) filled with dense layers of deeply undercut floral rosettes, sharp geometric rays, and incised details. In her lap, she handles her dance fan, which is completely covered in fine, hand-chiseled geometric patterns representing traditional textile decorations. The reverse view highlights a beautifully elongated spine and flowing drapes that wrap elegantly around the organic base. The underside reveals clean, hand-carved tool facets and the artisan's incised initials "S L". This showcase piece is in immaculate vintage gallery condition, entirely complete with all fine crown spikes, delicate fingers, and intricate textures 100% intact.

Art Movement: Balinese Modernist Art Deco / High-Expressionist Genre Style

Region of Origin: Mas, Ubud District, Bali, Indonesia

Artist/Carver: Signed with initials "S L"

Material: Premium Light Hardwood (Satinwood / Light Suar Variant)

Condition: Flawless vintage condition; structural integrity is perfectly preserved with zero chips, cracks, checking, or past repairs; primed for oiling to reveal its ultimate golden glow.

Dimensions

Height: 12 inches

Width: 6 inches

Depth: 3 inches

Estimated Era

Circa 1950s–1960s (The Golden Post-War Boom)
The incredible density of the carving patterns on the headdress combined with the stylized, angular treatment of the arms and the focus on capturing a traditional cultural performance narrative perfectly isolates this piece to the peak export boom. This was an era when master craftsmen poured immense time into complex, deeply chiseled individual figures. See less