Marionette figures worth buying

Hi all and (any jewellery)was wondering if these are worth buying look fairly tall not sure on age but I can get the 3 for 120 dollars appreciate thoughts chris

 

Lets page @Any Jewelry , and make sure she takes a look.

 

These are wayang golek, Sundanese from West Java. None were ever used by a puppeteer.

A bit of an explanation, wayang is the general term for carved puppets, whether made from:
hide - wayang purwa (Central & East Java, Madura, Bali)
flat wood - wayang klitik (East Java)
round wood - wayang golek.(West Java)
It also refers to the enactment of spiritual or educational plays, whether with puppets or people - wayang orang, wayang wong, wayang topeng and wayang gedog. Wayang topeng and gedog are performed by people with masks, most of the Javanese masks you see for sale or in museums are for wayang topeng.
There were also stories painted on a large scroll - wayang beber, but that is no longer performed.

The different types of wayang have to do with regional and religious differences.
Most wayang is not performed with an oil lamp and a screen, it does not mean shadow play. Even wayang purwa, which has a shadow component, can be viewed from both sides of the screen and is far more complicated than mere shadow play.
The enacted stories vary from Hindu epics and stories of local heroes to Muslim stories.

Back to this trio.
The unpainted one is simply unfinished, a recent fashion to accommodate the taste of Westerners who don’t like ‘gaudy’ painting. The painting is needed for the audience of course, just like stage make up.
The one on the right, which I really like btw, goes against the rules of wayang. He is wearing the diadem and crown combination of a high king or God, and should be represented with a bowed head. A humble posture signifies a calm, controlled nature and spiritual purity, which are required of high nobility as well as divinity.
There is a recent fashion for these more life-like faces, which is very charming, I think. They are made as decorator’s pieces or even works of art, and can fetch higher prices than contemporary true wayang golek. But what happened to his right arm?
The one on the left has a similar diadem and crown combination, so similar status. The posture is right. He was probably made in the 90s, which makes him the oldest one.

A simple way to see if a wayang golek has a bit of age, is to check the textile in the folds. If it is brighter than the textile on the outside, there is some age. All textiles used for the costumes fade over time, including velvet.

Chris, I don’t know what prices for wayang golek are like in Oz, so I can’t advise you. I hope the explanation helps. I would certainly leave the unpainted one where it is.

Wayang orang/wong:

Wayang topeng, performed in East Java and Madura:

 

That is about what I would sell them for at retail here in the States. Used to import these in the 90s that looked about like these but less elaborate costumes. Sold them new for $40.00 so can't see selling used for much more than that.

 

Just an example of the fading of wayang golek clothing.
This is part of the 'sarung' (tube skirt) of a puppet that was brought to the Netherlands in the 1930s, where it was displayed with the bottom of the sarung folded in. The top part has been exposed to light since the 30s, the lower part saw no light:

The puppet is older than the 1930s, the material was already a bit faded before it was put on display.

 

Agree. But I have no idea what the Australian market is like for these. Overhere, old wayang golek are valuable if they come from actual theatre sets and have age, but most are just attractive souvenirs.
I just checked one of the sites I regularly visit for antique and vintage Indonesian 'stuff'. There is a listing for six 1960s wayang golek puppets for 70 euros, free shipping in the Netherlands.

 

Thanks guys decided to pass these up appreciate the insight as always appreciate comments chris