Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, probably Java, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful palm leaf manuscript known as an lontar, with wooden covers carved with turtles and flower motifs. The approximately 21 palm leaves are pierced on both ends to rest on pegs and a central cord runs through a center piercing and through the wood covers, a brass Chinese cash coin is tied to the end. This drawstring binding allows the reader to tightly bind and sandwich the palm leaves together when in storage to keep their flattened shape. The writing is in Sinhalese and interestingly is made by impressing a nub tip into the page, a black ink made from charcoal and resin was then rubbed into the impressions - which is why the peripheries of these leaves are stained and dark. Size: 5.8" L x 1.25" W x 2.75" H (14.7 cm x 3.2 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177652

  • Condition: Tears and losses to peripheries of palm leaves, and several are re-pierced for inserting pegs. Staining and discoloration, pages are fragile. Wood covers are excellent with minor wear and nicks, and have a nice patina.

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April 20, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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