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THBThree Balinese Wood Topeng Theatrical Masks
Lot 168
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
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:
$500 - $750
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Aug 22, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-08-22 10:00:00
2025-08-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/indigenous-art---ralph-t-coe-center-santa-fe-nm-20324
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
View Full Catalog (452)
- Lot Description
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Bali, ca. mid-20th century CE. An ensemble of three traditional Balinese dance masks, each representing an archetypal character from Topeng performances - ritual dramas conveying historical, mythological, and moral narratives. The smallest is Bondres, a comic figure with exaggerated features - tiny nose, jutting teeth, bloodshot eyes, and a mockingly placed third eye - used to satirize foolishness and provoke laughter. The off-white mask depicts a Dalem, or Balinese king, symbolizing divine rule, wisdom, and composure, typically worn by a lead dancer portraying a regal figure. The final mask likely represents Kebo Taruna, a historical minister reputedly feared by Javanese general Gaja Mada, with strong cheekbones, a stern expression, and real animal hair details that emphasize authority and virility. Size of largest: 7.5" L x 6" W (19 cm x 15.2 cm)
Topeng masks are worn during dramatic dances in Bali and, to a lesser extent, Java, depicting traditional stories of kings, princes, heroes, and myths. In these performances, a small cast of four or five actors plays all the roles, both male and female, requiring each performer to use up to forty different masks. It is believed that actors share a special bond with their masks, entering a trance-like state that connects them to the spiritual world. The Topeng dance originated in the 17th century, with the word topeng literally meaning "mask" in Indonesian.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 - 2005
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.
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#192795Minor chips to the surface near the mouth of one. Stains and discoloration, but otherwise good conditions.Condition
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