MCM, Artwork, and Collectibles in Atlanta | Cascade Estate
Lot 71:
Description
This collection consists of six hand-carved and hand-painted wooden puppet heads, originally used in the traditional Wayang Golek rod puppet theater of West Java, Indonesia. Each head is crafted from wood with a polychrome paint finish over a gesso-like primer. The set includes a variety of traditional character types, such as Punokawan (clowns or buffoons) and noble warrior figures. Several heads feature ornate headdresses, or irah-irahan, decorated with metallic gold paint or gold leaf accents. One noble character displays a prominent Garuda Mungkur bird-like ornament at the back of the headdress. The necks are carved as tapered cylinders with hollowed-out sockets at the base, designed to receive the central bamboo or wooden rod (cempurit) of a complete puppet. Identification labels are present on two pieces: a white paper label hand-written with A BUFFOON and a small tag marked with the number 55.
Measurements range from approximately 4 inches to 6 inches in height.
Condition report:
The collection shows significant signs of age and authentic use-wear. Observable conditions include widespread paint loss, chipping, and a fine network of craquelure across the pigmented surfaces. Vertical drying cracks are present in the wood of several heads, particularly near the base of the necks. General surface grime and oxidation of the paint are visible throughout the assortment.
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