Dullah’s Realism

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[slideshow]

 

 

 

Dullah’s Realism

We feature in this auction the works of Dullah (Solo, Central Java, 1919-1996), an artist who was appointed to be President Sukarno’s official painter in the 1950s. The four paintings in the auction (lots #180-183) date from 1959 to 1982, when the artist was at his best.

The two earlier paintings come from the private  collection of a family who actively collected in the 1950s and 1960s. The Portrait of a Boy (lot #182) dating from 1959, is a realistic and frank depiction of a young boy, whose facial gestures express his look of concern. The Landscape (lot #182) is a slightly later painting (dated 1964), but still shows the nuance of Dullah’s early landscapes, which are rather impressionistic in style.

The latter paintings, both dated 1982, come from the private collection of a family who was active in the 1970s and 1980s. The Figure of a Grandmother (lot #181) and Balinese Dancer (lot #183) both who a more polished realism, typical of the artist’s mature style. Although quite sophisticated, Dullah’s realism never developed into a photographic realism devoid of human imperfections.

From time to time, Dullah’s realism continues to present an intimate human touch, that seems familiar to his audience.

Lee Man Fong’s Sunflowers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Man Fong’s Sunflowers

This painting by Lee Man Fong, dates 1951 and is a relatively early painting by the artist. Many painters would certainly feel challenged to try to depict the likeness of the thick and wavy petals of the sunflower, and of course by that time Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, painted in the 1880s, had already become an iconic painting well-known among artists world-wide.


Although he might have been inspired by the subject matter in the famous painting by Van Gogh, Lee Man Fong’s Sunflowers does not borrow from its appearance, technique or style. It is a painting that shows Lee Man Fong’s own characteristic style, particularly pallette, brushstrokes and composition.

 

This painting is one of the artworks that will be auctioned in Sidharta Auctioneer's Fine Art Auction on October 7th, 2012, at Darmawangsa Square, Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 1:30pm. View the e-catalog here: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/fa07102012/ Please contact info@sidharta.co for further information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisherman at Work by the Seashore by Itji Tarmizi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisherman at Work by the Seashore by Itji Tarmizi (Lintau, Sumatera Barat, 1939, -  Jakarta, 2001)

As a member of Hendra Gunawan’s People’s Painters group, Itji Tarmizi often depicted the tough daily life of fishermen by the sea shore. While his best known paintings feature his sophisticated realism, his works are often more spontaneous and expressive sketch-like oil paintings. The details that he highlights in the painting, such as the figure of the man sowing the sails of the boats, evidence that he is mainly interested in exploring the theme of work in the scenes that he depicts.

 

 

This painting is one of the artworks that will be auctioned in Sidharta Auctioneer's Fine Art Auction on October 7th, 2012, at Darmawangsa Square, Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 1:30pm. View the e-catalog here: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/fa07102012/ Please contact info@sidharta.co for further information

Dullah in our upcoming auction

Dullah
"Penjual Sate"
1964
oil on canvas
142 x 82.5 cm

Dullah
"Pemandangan"
1964
oil on canvas
47 x 69 cm

Dullah
Boy
1959
oil on board
50 x 40 cm
[gallery]

Affordable Art with Amir Sidharta | The Jakarta Globe

Insight Indonesia's Lin Neumann interviews Amir Sidharta about affordable art and SIDHartA's Artfordable Auction. View the video in three segments here: Affordable Art with Amir Sidharta | The Jakarta Globe.

Selection of Items from the David B. Smith Collection

Here is a selection of the items from the David B. Smith Collection that will be auctioned at the SIDHartA Auctioneer Tempo Doeloe auction, at the Bali Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, this Sunday, 11 March 2012, starting at 1:30 pm.

For the e-catalog, please visit: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/va11032012/

[slideshow]

007

Chest (grobog)

East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 97cm, w: 185cm, d: 85cm

These three chests mix geometric and natural patterns with flair. Unusually, the geometric decoration on the upper half of the chest is divided into two identical halves featuring a lattice-work pattern. The skirt above the wheels features a row of leaves, probably those of the betel plant, with halo-like outlines.

Publ: JAFFA , p. 260 - iv.07

008

Cabinet | East Java | 19th century | teak wood | 133 x 90 x 50cm

While the close connection between traditional Javanese architecture and furniture is irrefutable. The solid rectangular dimensions of this country cabinet are enluvened by vigorous carving and color forming two pairs of stylised birds on the top and bottom of each of the doors.

Publ: JAFFA , p. 109 - i.41

011

Cabinet | East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 145 cm, w: 145 cm, d: 58 cm

The doors and sides of this cabinet, dated 1878, feature tree-of-life motifs formed by luxuriant meandering green leaves against a red background. Stylised vulvas or seeds, symbols of fertility, are seen at the base of their trunks. Publ: JAFFA , p. 74 - i.02

020

Cabinet

East Java | 19th century | wood | h: 175 cm, w: 110 cm, d: 47cm

With minimal detail, two naga dragons, with what appears to be aquatic birds on their backs, bite on a central disc. The carving on the front doors is reminiscent of that of several cabinets seen on the previous pages. Publ: JAFFA , p. 112 - i.55

021

Massive Kitchen Cabinet (lemari dapur) | wood | Ponorogo, East Java | 19th century | h: 147 cm, w: 85 cm, d: 70 cm Featuring a crenellated upper rim, this rustic country pantry can be compared to traditional rice barns. The long legs, which raise it high above the ground, are intended to prevent vermin from stealing the food inside. The black patina was caused by soot from the kitchen fire. Publ: JAFFA , p. 110 - i.42

023

Massive Teakwood Cabinet with Square Wheels

East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 146 cm , w: 92 cm, d: 60 cm

Under normal circumstances, the rustic, rough-hewn cabinets of Ponorogo are impressive for their raw power. Publ: JAFFA , p. 111 - i.45

029

Loro Bionyo | Ponorogo, East Java | left: 28 x28 x 52 cm | right: 27 x 39 x 55 cm | Late 18th or early 19th century This wedding effigy statues of East Java’s petty aristoctracy and landed gentry are usually far more vigorous and less refined. The male reperesents Mas Sadono, sits cross-legged (padma asana), wearing a batik long cloth. His wife, Dewi Sri, wears a kamben breast cloth that exposes her shoulders, which are stained yellow from the application of turmeric powder. The figures’ torsos are elongated with narrow waists bound by wide belts with elaborate belt buckle, creating an hour-glass shape. Both wear Hindu-inspired necklace. Their mask-like white faces and large ears, a sign of wisdom, mirror the height of their position an class. Publ: JAFFA , p. 140 - ii.01

030

Room Divider | East Java | wood | h: 222cm, w: 207 cm , d: 45cm

Shaped like triptychs of cathedral windows, these remarkable room dividers were also believed to have magical protective powers, not unlike the aling-aling walls of Balinese temples. This belief is also revealed in the imagery. Publ: JAFFA , p. 176 - ii.75

031

Large Chest (grobog)

Ponorogo, East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 85cm, w: 200cm, d: 93cm

The rigorous, almost three-dimensional carving on these chests exemplifies a style that developed in the Ponorogo region in the second half of the 19th century. There is a tree of life with meandering lianas and spiky leaves. The skirts undulate. Unlike most grobog, the` chests are opened not by simply lifting the lids (usually made of one piece of wood) but by lifting one of several planks held by the framed tops. .

Publ: JAFFA, p. 268 - iv. 15

036

Large Java Primitive Cabinet

Carved of Massive | teak wood | Ponorogo, East Java | 19th century | 100 x 55 x 191 cm

Such example is extremely rare statement of the stark and powerful aesthetics of the East Javanese countryside. Publ: JAFFA, p. 110 - i. 43

039

Cabinet

Central or East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 177cm, w: 111cm, d: 46cm

The pediment carving, doors, frames and apron of this small cabinet come alive with luxuriant meandering foliage that is covered in gold leaf. Diamond lozenges with lotus flowers are featured on the two low drawers and the sides.

Publ: JAFFA , p. 127 - i.61

Tempo Doeloe Auction 11 March 2012 | Selected Items

Here is a selection of the items that will be auctioned at the SIDHartA Auctioneer Tempo Doeloe auction, at the Bali Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, this Sunday, 11 March 2012, starting at 1:30 pm.

For the e-catalog, please visit: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/va11032012/

 

 

[slideshow]

[caption id="attachment_358" align="aligncenter" width="268" caption="lot 37"][/caption]

037

Pair of Palace Cabinets, 19^th century

Featuring the primordial naga dragons of Java’s ancient mythology, this refined pair of cabinets is noteworthy not only for its fine carving, gold leaf and cinnabar but also by the presence of the original tables upon which they rest. In most cases these are lost.

[caption id="attachment_359" align="aligncenter" width="137" caption="lot 38"][/caption]

038

Ritual Throne or Batik Table (Madura or East Java) 19^th century

One of the primary tasks of Javanese princesses was the manufacture of fine batik sarongs, long cloths, scarves and head-cloths.  Elevated tables with a throne-like back featuring a crossbar for hanging the cloth being worked upon and carving usually featuring a pair of primordial naga dragons were used for drawing the wax designs. These tables were also used as throne backs that can be traced back to Hindu-Buddhist art.

[caption id="attachment_356" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="lot 53"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_357" align="aligncenter" width="154" caption="lot 56"][/caption]

053, 056

Wedding Effigy Figures (loro blonyo), Ponorogo Region, East Java, 19^th century

The carving and placement of male-female figures (loro blonyo) representing the bride and groom as Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, and Mas Sadono, an incarnation of Vishnu, were an essential part of the wedding rituals of Javanese royalty well into the 20^thcentury. Associated with fertility and the ancestors, the figures were placed in special altar beds and received regular offerings to ensure harmony and prosperity. A latter day version of the ancestor figures of the Austronesians, the loro blonyo of the more sophisticated Javanese palaces were refined and beautiful. These vigorous rough hewn pairs are rare examples of the same tradition practiced in the hinterlands of East Java.

[caption id="attachment_350" align="aligncenter" width="161" caption="lot 57"][/caption]

057

Impressive Palace Cabinet (lemari kraton), 19^th century

With minimal use of color and touches of gold leaf, this stately cabinet still displays its original hardware.

[caption id="attachment_351" align="aligncenter" width="270" caption="lot 58"][/caption]

058

Storage Chest from a single piece of teakwood (palungan) 19^th century

Palungan are one of the oldest forms of furniture in Java. Carved from the trunk of a single teakwood tree, their sliding lids are fixed with wooden pins. Used for the storage of family heirlooms, like this example, they often feature ancient motifs with now forgotten magical symbols.

[caption id="attachment_352" align="aligncenter" width="211" caption="lot 059"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_355" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="lot 62"][/caption]

059

Village Headman’s Adminstrative Table (meja lurah) 19^th century

Often made of a single large slab of teakwood with turned legs, meja lurah were designed to mirror the importance of the administrative head (lurah) who used them. Based on Dutch baroque tables, over the years they would be infused with Javanese style.

[caption id="attachment_353" align="aligncenter" width="173" caption="lot 60"][/caption]

060

Magnificent Pair of Kraton Cabinets (lemari keraton), 19^th century

Profusely and finely carved with naga dragons, and floral scenes further enhanced by cinnabar and gold leaf, this matching pair of cabinets was probably made in the vicinity of Solo, Central Java and used in a major palace. Examples of this quality and beauty are rare.

[caption id="attachment_354" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="lot 61"][/caption]

061

Javanese Chest with Floral Carving, Original fittings, goldleaf, 19^th century

[caption id="attachment_348" align="aligncenter" width="188" caption="lot 63"][/caption]

063

Pair of Palace Book Cases (lemari buku kraton) from Kota Gede circa 1920

This rare and beautiful pair of bookcases are masterpieces of a Baroque royal style that prevailed in Kota Gede, the royal city just south of Jogjakarta. In perfect condition except for the missing glass panes they feature the sumptuous use of gold leaf, cinnabar and natural green pigments.

[caption id="attachment_349" align="aligncenter" width="270" caption="lot 64"][/caption]

064

Striking Ritual Bed (ranjang), East Java, 19^th century

The stark and beautiful lines of this striking bed is a fine example of the impressive rustic style custom made for the wealthy landowners of East Java’s interior.