Balinese hulu

[A. G. Maisey]

David, I don't know that there is a satisfactory material as replacement for ivory. At least not for larger carvings.

Tagua nuts I consider to be pretty good for smaller carvings, like netsuke.

Some entrepreneur should get into the business of developing super size tagua nuts.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

David, I don't know that there is a satisfactory material as replacement for ivory. At least not for larger carvings.

Tagua nuts I consider to be pretty good for smaller carvings, like netsuke.

Some entrepreneur should get into the business of developing super size tagua nuts.

Hi Alan

I have no idea about Ivory and would like to seek your advice. Is Ivory better medium for craving especially Balinese kind of hulu? If so, is it because it is 'soft' and therefore easy to work with?

[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.

[Anthony G.]

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.]

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]

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.]

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.