Antique Balinese Dancing Figures in .900 Silver, 1900s, Set of 2

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A striking pair of antique Southeast Asian dancing figures, fashioned in .900 grade silver and dating to the early 20th … Read more A striking pair of antique Southeast Asian dancing figures, fashioned in .900 grade silver and dating to the early 20th century, circa 1900–1940. The figures are conceived in the Balinese style, each capturing the graceful movement, elaborate costume and expressive gestures associated with traditional ceremonial dance. Each figure is individually modelled in a dynamic dancing pose, with extended arms and carefully articulated hands creating a strong sense of movement. Elaborate headdresses and richly detailed costumes enhance their sculptural presence, while the finely worked silver surfaces reveal considerable attention to ornamental detail. The figures are marked “.900”, indicating a high silver content of approximately 90%. This gives the sculptures an attractive precious-metal character while allowing the intricate modelling of the costumes, jewellery and facial details to remain clearly defined. Balinese dance is celebrated for its highly stylised gestures, elaborate ceremonial dress and storytelling traditions, making dancing figures a particularly evocative subject within Southeast Asian decorative arts. Presented as a pair, these examples create an impressive and balanced display. Dating to the first half of the 20th century, the figures combine substantial decorative presence with the craftsmanship of hand-worked silver. They would display beautifully on a console, mantelpiece or within a collection of Asian silver and decorative sculpture. The documented classification identifies them as antique silver figurines dating to 1900–1940. Origin: Southeast Asia Date: Circa 1900–1940 Period: Early 20th Century Material: .900 silver Marked on the bases : .900 Silver can be made to any fineness, but by convention there are a few standards that are commonly used. These are: Fine silver - 999 fineness Britannia silver - fineness of at least 958 Sterling silver - 925 fineness Coin silver - 900 fineness Net Weight of the silver content ; 795.5 grams Dimensions each ; Height 295 mm Widest point 90 mm Diameter of the bases 83 mm See less