Badung Cloth Drawing, Balinese Temple Dancer

Crafted in Batuan, Bali by Wayan Badung is this hand signed fabric drawing from the Batuan Village. Balinese art is deeply rooted in the island’s rich cultural and religious traditions, with many artworks serving as offerings or decorations for temples and ceremonies.

Batuan artists are celebrated for dense compositions and lithe, expressive figures. Signed examples provide desirable provenance for collectors of Southeast Asian art.

Balinese drawing, specifically in the Batuan style, which is known for its intricate details and monochromatic color palette with touches of gold. Batuan painting emerged in the1930s and is characterized by its depiction of everyday life, religious and mystic themes, and traditional Balinese stories. The style often includes detailed figures, complex patterns, and a sense of depth created through meticulous shading.

Badung was active in the 20th Century but his works only started appearing in auctions around 2020. He is known for his traditional folk-art paintings, typically using black ink and gold paint on silk or other fabric. His work often depicts Balinese cultural themes, such as dancers. Badung’s work is characteristic of the Batuan style, which is known for its intricate detail and depiction of traditional village life and Hindu epics.