20th C. Indian Papier-Mache Thanjavur Bobble Dancers
South Asia, India, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a charming pair of Thanjavur dolls or bobble head figures made from papier-mache and bass wires. There are various types of Thanjavur dolls, and this pair are dancers known as "Talai aati bommai," which are constructed from 4 pieces: head, torso, skirt, and legs / base. Their domed and hollow bell or umbrella like skirts reveal anklets and bangles around their feet, and their center of gravity is at the bottom most point to create oscillating motion, as if swaying to music. The torso is attached to a wire loop on the skirt, and the head rests atop the conical neck with a with a looped wire, and all three sections bobble! Both are brightly hand painted with great details added to their clothing and adornments. Size (taller figure): 4.375" W x 11.5" H (11.1 cm x 29.2 cm)
Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#169665
Condition Report: Both pairs of arms are reattached and repaired on both figures, with visible break lines at elbows. Loss to this area on taller figure, with perforation through arm. Losses to the layers and painted surface of upper blue skirt. Chips, abrasions, and losses to high pointed areas and fingers on both. Discoloration and staining throughout. Both figures "dance" and articulate!
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South Asia, India, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a charming pair of Thanjavur dolls or bobble head figures made from papier-mache and bass wires. There are various types of Thanjavur dolls, and this pair are dancers known as "Talai aati bommai," which are constructed from 4 pieces: head, torso, skirt, and legs / base. Their domed and hollow bell or umbrella like skirts reveal anklets and bangles around their feet, and their center of gravity is at the bottom most point to create oscillating motion, as if swaying to music. The torso is attached to a wire loop on the skirt, and the head rests atop the conical neck with a with a looped wire, and all three sections bobble! Both are brightly hand painted with great details added to their clothing and adornments. Size (taller figure): 4.375" W x 11.5" H (11.1 cm x 29.2 cm)
Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#169665
Condition Report: Both pairs of arms are reattached and repaired on both figures, with visible break lines at elbows. Loss to this area on taller figure, with perforation through arm. Losses to the layers and painted surface of upper blue skirt. Chips, abrasions, and losses to high pointed areas and fingers on both. Discoloration and staining throughout. Both figures "dance" and articulate!
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