Balinese Kamasan-style Narrative Painting
Fine Art / Ethnographic Textiles

Balinese Kamasan-style Narrative Painting

This is a horizontal narrative painting executed in the traditional Kamasan style of Bali, Indonesia. The piece appears to be rendered on a hand-woven cotton cloth (blacu), characteristic of classical Balinese art. It depicts a complex battlefield scene, likely from a Hindu epic such as the Ramayana or Mahabharata, featuring multiple figures in dynamic poses with traditional shadow-puppet (Wayang Kulit) aesthetic profiles. The color palette is dominated by earthy, natural pigments including ochre, burnt sienna, and black soot for fine line work. Construction involves a central canvas mounted within a wide decorative border and a dark, possibly carved, wooden frame. The composition is densely packed with intricate patterns and stylized figures representing warriors, gods, or demons engaged in combat. Notable features include the flat, two-dimensional perspective and the use of 'mountain' or flame-like motifs to fill negative space, typical of the Kamasan tradition. Regarding condition, there is visible fading of the pigments, particularly the lighter browns, and potential undulation or slight sagging of the textile substrate behind the glass. Some foxing or moisture spotting may be present on the matting surrounding the art. The piece appears to date from the mid-20th century, serving as a high-quality example of sacred or narrative folk art intended for local temple display or high-end export.

Estimated Value

$1,200 - $1,850

Basic Information

Category

Fine Art / Ethnographic Textiles

Appraised On

January 21, 2026

Estimated Value

$1,200 - $1,850

Item Description

This is a horizontal narrative painting executed in the traditional Kamasan style of Bali, Indonesia. The piece appears to be rendered on a hand-woven cotton cloth (blacu), characteristic of classical Balinese art. It depicts a complex battlefield scene, likely from a Hindu epic such as the Ramayana or Mahabharata, featuring multiple figures in dynamic poses with traditional shadow-puppet (Wayang Kulit) aesthetic profiles. The color palette is dominated by earthy, natural pigments including ochre, burnt sienna, and black soot for fine line work. Construction involves a central canvas mounted within a wide decorative border and a dark, possibly carved, wooden frame. The composition is densely packed with intricate patterns and stylized figures representing warriors, gods, or demons engaged in combat. Notable features include the flat, two-dimensional perspective and the use of 'mountain' or flame-like motifs to fill negative space, typical of the Kamasan tradition. Regarding condition, there is visible fading of the pigments, particularly the lighter browns, and potential undulation or slight sagging of the textile substrate behind the glass. Some foxing or moisture spotting may be present on the matting surrounding the art. The piece appears to date from the mid-20th century, serving as a high-quality example of sacred or narrative folk art intended for local temple display or high-end export.

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