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THB19th C. Sumatra Toba Batak Wood House Ornament of Singa
Lot 58
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$5,500 - $8,250
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| $20,000 | $2,500 |
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Jul 14, 2022
Set Reminder
2022-07-14 10:00:00
2022-07-14 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographica Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographica-fine-art-9692
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (380)
- Lot Description
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Toba Batak, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A magnificent wood house ornament presenting as the head of a singa - a mythological creature of the Batak people that is part human, part water buffalo, and part crocodile or lizard and believed to hold apotropaic powers. Exhibiting a massive form, the fierce visage features traditional characteristics of a singa, displaying an elongated face with large, bulging eyes, a projecting nose, a horse-like muzzle, and a broad mouth held open to expose carved teeth and a lengthy, extended tongue. A trio of abstract horns curve backwards from the top of the pointed head. The beast is meticulously incised with mesmerizing striated, scrolling, and phytomorphic motifs that are additionally adorned by black, red, and white pigments. Size: 11.6" W x 42.2" H (29.5 cm x 107.2 cm)
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The central image in Toba Batak art is the singa, a supernatural creature whose likeness protects individuals, homes, and communities from malevolent supernatural forces. The name singa derives from the Sanskrit word meaning lion. However, the Toba Batak singa is a fantastic composite that combines features of several different species. Among the defining features of the singa are the three stylized, backward-curving horns that crown the head. Most also have large round eyes, a human-like nose, and a horse-like muzzle with a long protruding tongue that is intended to intimidate supernatural enemies. The singa image occurs on items ranging from finger rings to monumental stone sarcophagi. Some of the most prominent appear on the facades of Toba Batak houses and rice granaries."
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1988.143.170, 1988.143.27, and 1988.143.70.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170980Expected weathering with stable fissures, nicks, chips, and abrasions. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments and impressively preserved detail. Metal suspension wire on verso.Condition
- Shipping Info
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