Antique Bali Wayang Kulit Shadow Puppet – Hand-Painted Leather.

Authentic pre-World War II Wayang Kulit shadow puppet from Java, Indonesia. Hand-cut from cured leather and traditionally hand-painted, this figure exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and expressive anatomy associated with early 20th-century performance puppets used in ceremonial and theatrical shadow plays.

The puppet features original leather joint hinges with visible age-softened wear, consistent with long-term use prior to modern manufacturing methods. Control rods are hand-shaped natural wood/bamboo, showing oxidation, patina, and irregular tapering indicative of early construction rather than later factory production. Pigments exhibit deep absorption into the leather surface, with natural fading and surface wear characteristic of pre-war materials rather than modern acrylic finishes.

The exaggerated profile, articulated limbs, and asymmetrical carving align with traditional Javanese performance figures created for storytelling and ritual use, not decorative export pieces. At