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Rare Carved
Wood Panels - custom size &
desain available
Originating from the remote island of Madura, Indonesia, these detailed
and well balanced carvings has influences from far flung corners of the world.
The style includes Chinese, Muslim and European motifs dating back over 700
years. These influences consist of local flora like lotus flowers that climb
throughout the piece, or fauna such as crabs, fish and octopus. The red and gold
colors were brought by Chinese traders in the 13th century. The leafy, scroll
design and sometimes Arabic calligraphy were introduced by the Islamic religious
pilgrims in the 1500's who ventured from the Middle East. In the1600's, the
Madurese fought the kingdoms of Java and in the process absorbed their bold and
masculine character into their carving, depicted in the actual three dimensional
depth of the work, reaching three to four inches. In the 18th century, Colonial
Dutch influences gave the carvings medallions, ribbons, and other European
characteristics.
The unique soft chalky
colored finish is of natural local pigments. These dark red, yellow, green,
blue, black and white colors are commonly used to finish and highlight the
exceptional and worldly carving of Madura.
Currently there is only one
remaining family that carves these fine panels. Our hope is to help keep these
artists employed and future generations trained in this wonderful and unique
style that is only found in Madura. As a collector, owning a one of a kind piece
from a dwindling source can be historically significant and personally
rewarding.
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