Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts

Description

This is a very unusual 19th century Sinhalese ebony carving of a young girl on one leg while balanced on a ball which is itself balanced on a small flat topped pyramid. The girl, dressed in a blouse, short skirt and pantaloons, has outstretched arms - one holding a receptacle of some sort, the other possibly a flower. The girl's hair is shown pulled back behind the ears and the eyes are set with almond-shaped bone inlaid with dots of ebony for the pupils. The sculpture was made in parts and joined together.
This is such a rare composition that we have not found anything remotely similar. Further research is needed to understand the significance of the sculpture and whether it was purely a creation of the carver's imagination or representative of an actual acrobatic dance. Either way it is a very arresting piece which would be a talking point in any interior setting, modern as well as traditional.

Dimensions:
Height 62 cm
Width 42 cm
Depth 15 cm
Weight 3.4 kg

Condition: The carving is in very good antique condition with some minor losses (part of the right hand). Please contact David using the enquiry form if you would like to see additional photographs.

Postage & packing: £12 within the UK. Please contact us for a quote if you would like the figure sent overseas.