Clown Prankster Choice Semar Cepot Bagong Puppet Wayang

You are buying one of the 2 hand carved & hand painted Wooden prangster puppets on the first photo, clown servants characters of the Indonesian Javanese Traditional Puppet Plays, inspired from the Ramayana Epics. Choose Semar or Cepot Bagong. We have added pictures of other puppets available on photos 2, 3 and 4 etc...

22" TO 24" high from top of head to end of stick, both belonging to the traditional Ponokawan Clan of clown-servants, both important in the wayang golek plays of Yogyakarta, Java. The Wayang Golek face and body are made of wood and they are dressed in traditional clothing. Each Wayang Golek puppet was individually hand carved and hand painted by the artist who created it, so each is unique and a collector item. The pranksters are some of the favorite characters of the Javanese and Balinese Theater Puppet Plays as they bring mischief and comedy to the act. The red prankster, Bagong, wears his Kris Dagger at his side and the white faced puppet, Semar, has a tuff of hair on his head. Both are operational and in perfect condition. The Wayang has a strong tradition in the world of Java and Indonesia, representing the struggle between good and evil.

The Wayang Golek are the three dimensional wooden puppets from Java. The Wayang Golek plays (these shows might be given to appease the gods, to offer thanks or ask protection for a harvest, or to exorcise evil spirits) continue to be performed at circumcision or wedding parties, or at other ceremonial events and usually start at dusk and run to the early morning hours attracting an adult audience of all social classes. People come and go as they please. The Wayang Golek puppet masters are called Dalangs. The plays are based on the Ramayana or Mahabharata stories. They usually involve Rama, Sinta, Anoman, Rahwana and Gotot Kaca. The main family of Wayang Golek are the five Pandawa brothers and their clown servants. The wayang golek performance becomes a social event around which there may be many stalls selling refreshments and other small items. The audience particularly enjoys the clown scenes, when much tomfoolery and satire take place. In Indonesia, many people are familiar with the different types of characters which can be recognized by the size, shape, color and angle of their eyes and nose and the way they walk, talk, sing, dance and fight.

Puppetry is a highly respected art form, and continues to thrive as a vibrant living tradition, offering a coded philosophy within which there is something for everyone, rich or poor, politician or artist alike. Wooden rod puppet characters were created in family workshops where they are chiseled, carved, painted & dressed in local costume. The master carver makes the head because it expresses the personality of the character.  Puppets are divided in 3 parts: the head and neck are connected to a sharpened bamboo piece that goes thru the separate body, enabling the puppet to turn its head left and right. From the waist down a sarong type cloth is worn hiding the puppeteer's hand that holds the bamboo piece. The joints of the articulated arms are connected with a string enabling the puppet to move his upper limbs as well. The central support rod is attached to the base of the body where it is hidden by the clothing. The women make all the costumes.

Our prices are started very low as we go straight to the source to find these treasures. We have many collector items available, rare pieces from around the world from antique to more recent, designer accents, precious textiles and textile hangers, gifts, rare antique prints, authentic signed paintings and sculptures available on a regular base in our store.