price is per set of two masks

Description: The masks represent Rama and Shinta. Made by Javanese artisans, in tones of red, they are handcrafted in albesia wood. These masks are decorated using the batik method, where the wood is painted by hand with a wax resist before colourful dyes are applied. Batik is a craft that has high artistic value and has been a part of Indonesian culture (especially Jawa) for a long time. Batik relates to the artwork and the ancient Indonesian Javanese philosophies of life and the artwork used in textiles and artisan woodcarving. Traditional kawung motifs are visible on the masks. Topeng masks were used in dances or theater.

History: In the world of wayang (an Indonesian and especially Javanese dramatic representation of mythological events in a puppet shadow play), one of the legendary and well-known stories is Ramayana. Rama is descended from the Hindu god Vishnu and thought to be the most virtuous hero from Hindu mythology. He and his wife Shinta, are the classic example of purity and marital devotion, symbol of loyalty as a couple.

Made in/Origin: Java, Indonesia

Material: Albesia wood

Dimensions: 28 cm x 20 cm x 5 cm (approx.)

Condition: Great vintage condition

Stockist: Den Haag, the Netherlands