Balinese hulu

Anthony G. · 20th December 2021, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Anthony, I have never worked with ivory, so I really cannot comment of matters that have to do with working this material.

However, I do have a moderate collection of carvings in various types of ivory, and what I can say is that where a master craftsman is involved in the carving, I consider that no material comes close to ivory in its ability to translate the craftsman's ideas & efforts into a supreme expression of human endeavour.

Hi Alan, understood. Thanks

Anthony G. · 5th January 2022, 03:07 PM

This is another Balinese hulu in moose antler. I am disappointed someone else got it.

Anyway, I like to ask as many people around told me different things. And I am still unsure what this figure is about. Can anyone advise?

1: Priest?

2: Old learner (teacher)?

Jean · 5th January 2022, 04:29 PM

A very fine & detailed modern carving (a bit overdone) with a very expressive face and plenty of Hindu symbols (Bhoma, naga, etc).
It may depict Guru Agastya, a Hindu ascet, or simply a balinese priest (pendita), this style of figure is quite common.

Anthony G. · 6th January 2022, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

A very fine & detailed modern carving (a bit overdone) with a very expressive face and plenty of Hindu symbols (Bhoma, naga, etc).
It may depict Guru Agastya, a Hindu ascet, or simply a balinese priest (pendita), this style of figure is quite common.

Guru Agastya?

I did not know this person until you mentioned it and do some read up on the internet. I tend to think it might be Guru Agastya based on the sculpture and those photo i saw on the net.

Many thanks Jean for sharing.

Jean · 6th January 2022, 09:03 AM

I attach the pics of 4 hilts in similar style (bearded priest or sage). The attribution to Guru Agastya was taken from Martin Kerner. The third specimen is supposed to depict "Empu Barada" according to a Javanese keris specialist.
Regards

Anthony G. · 6th January 2022, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

I attach the pics of 4 hilts in similar style (bearded priest or sage). The attribution to Guru Agastya was taken from Martin Kerner. The third specimen is supposed to depict "Empu Barada" according to a Javanese keris specialist.
Regards

interesting. Thanks for sharing

A. G. Maisey · 6th January 2022, 09:29 PM

Possibly we can see Mpu Barada here Jean, possibly.

Or maybe we can see whatever it is that we wish to see.

In this third picture I can see a figure that is perhaps supposed to represent a priest, but what kind of priest?

Normally, a Buddhist priest would hold the bell in his left hand, and if using the vajra, he would hold that in his right hand.

I believe, but am not certain, that a Hindu priest would also hold the bell in his left hand, but in Bali I have see Hindu priests use both right & left hand for the bell.

In the Nagarakertagama Mpu Barada is identified as a Buddhist priest.

This hilt figure that is supposedly a depiction of the Honourable Mpu Barada shows the bell in the right hand. Perhaps that might be a vajra in his left hand.

Surely a Buddhist priest as respected as was Mpu Barada would know what hand to hold his bell in?

Did Mpu Barada get his left hand confused with his right, or did the carver not know right from left, or as is very often the case we simply cannot assign definite personalities to Balinese keris hilt carvings?

5th January 2022, 03:07 PM	#2
Anthony G. Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 470	Another Balinese hulu and it's interpretation This is another Balinese hulu in moose antler. I am disappointed someone else got it. Anyway, I like to ask as many people around told me different things. And I am still unsure what this figure is about. Can anyone advise? 1: Priest? 2: Old learner (teacher)? Attached Images Last edited by Anthony G.; 6th January 2022 at 11:37 AM.

6th January 2022, 09:03 AM	#5
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	I attach the pics of 4 hilts in similar style (bearded priest or sage). The attribution to Guru Agastya was taken from Martin Kerner. The third specimen is supposed to depict "Empu Barada" according to a Javanese keris specialist. Regards Attached Images

5th January 2022, 04:29 PM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	A very fine & detailed modern carving (a bit overdone) with a very expressive face and plenty of Hindu symbols (Bhoma, naga, etc). It may depict Guru Agastya, a Hindu ascet, or simply a balinese priest (pendita), this style of figure is quite common.

6th January 2022, 09:29 PM	#7
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,047	Possibly we can see Mpu Barada here Jean, possibly. Or maybe we can see whatever it is that we wish to see. In this third picture I can see a figure that is perhaps supposed to represent a priest, but what kind of priest? Normally, a Buddhist priest would hold the bell in his left hand, and if using the vajra, he would hold that in his right hand. I believe, but am not certain, that a Hindu priest would also hold the bell in his left hand, but in Bali I have see Hindu priests use both right & left hand for the bell. In the Nagarakertagama Mpu Barada is identified as a Buddhist priest. This hilt figure that is supposedly a depiction of the Honourable Mpu Barada shows the bell in the right hand. Perhaps that might be a vajra in his left hand. Surely a Buddhist priest as respected as was Mpu Barada would know what hand to hold his bell in? Did Mpu Barada get his left hand confused with his right, or did the carver not know right from left, or as is very often the case we simply cannot assign definite personalities to Balinese keris hilt carvings?