Antique Wayang Blencong Lantern

Antique Wayang Blencong Hanging Lantern

Measures approximately 24" tall, 13" wide, 8" deep. Metal pot handle adds 5" depth. Metal hanger at top adds 5" length.

Antique Blencong. These were used in the Wayang shadow puppetry, as a lighting source for puppet shows that used coconut oil as fuel in the past. These blencong lights have different shapes and are made of carved wood or bronze and have a barrel to put the oil in. A Blencong is a lighting device that serves to animate shadow puppets on the screen. In the same way, the shadows that are produced when viewed from behind the screen will look more artistic. A blencong is still rarely used because it is considered impractical and the light is not bright enough, it was therefore replaced by petromac lamps and later in the age of electricity by incandescent bulbs. In beautiful, heavily used condition, the wooden box where the metal inner tray is for the coconut oil is "impregnated" with oil. The frame on top has beautiful floral motifs and mythical figures. NL track and trace, registered international shipment. 

• Collection = Collectibles