Former lieutenant shapes an army of clay 'wayang' figurines
By Ahmad Solikhan
SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Under the glare of the sun, miniature terra-cotta figurines, each representing a character from the wayang tradition, stand at attention in the front yard of a house on Jl. Kiai Maja in this city.
Sugeng Sihono, 67, a retired army lieutenant and the owner of the house, is the creator of this uncommon handicraft.
He began making the figurines, which measure between 15 cms and 20 cms in height, while in junior high school in 1944 during the Japanese occupation.
Following taizo, the regular morning exercises introduced by the Japanese, Sihono began to make two terra-cotta figurines of a Dutch soldier stabbed by a Japanese samurai.
Several Japanese soldiers noticed his work, and told him to take them to the military headquarters upon completion.
"I was afraid at the time. But, as promised, I delivered the figurines after two days," Sihono recalled.
He had no reason to worry. The Japanese were delighted by his explanation of the story behind the works. As a token of appreciation, they presented Sihono with a certificate written in kanji, expressing gratitude to him for supporting the Japanese government.
Sihono was also given bread and a Japanese army uniform.
He has continued making the figurines, including during his stint in the army, but his inspiration is now derived from wayang characters from Javanese culture.
Today, the miniature statuettes are gaining popularity. They are especially sought after by foreign tourists, Sihono said proudly.
The manufacturing process is simple, but it requires perseverance and skill. Eight kgs of clay -- usually bought in Bantul, Yogyakarta -- is mixed with 1 kg of red brick powder and ground into a cohesive substance.
After one hour when the mixture has turned soft, Sihono shapes the head, torso and limbs of the figure. He then starts carving the profiles of wayang figures as desired.
The figurines are left in the sun to harden, and then baked in an iron brazier for two days.
"This ensures an even spread through the baking, in addition to enhancing the dark red color," said Sihono.
Direct firing can blacken and crack the statuettes due to uneven heat of the fire.
They are cleaned with a brush after the baking. Then, colors are applied in accordance with the wayang characters. This involves several kinds of paints, including wall paint and oil paint.
Apart from paintbrushes, a steel tool the size of a pen is used to apply the colors. Due to its complexity and the many colors used, Sihono can only finish one or two figurines daily.
"The manufacturing cost for one figurine is Rp 8,000," he said.
Despite his long-held wish to develop and expand his works, he has not received any serious inquiries about cooperation in business or production.
He continues to handle all aspects of production, from preparation of raw materials to the finishing application.
The result is a long wait for customers wanting to buy directly from the producer.
Sihono supplies to the Sriwedari Wayang Hall in Surakarta, and several antique shops around the city and in Yogyakarta. Prices range from Rp 10,000 for the 10-cm model, to Rp 15,000 for the 15-cm figurine.
Most production is of the smaller models, but he will producer larger ones, which can cost up to Rp 50,000, on request.
A set of terra-cotta wayang figurines -- such as those from the Pendawa Lima or Kurawa tales -- is priced at more than Rp 100,000. These are more complex than single statuettes, requiring strict attention to anatomical movements of the figures.
As an artist, Sihono is proud that his works are appreciated, and especially when the purchaser has high social status.
Noble GRAY Koes Murtiyah of the Solo keraton (palace) in Solo ordered nine figurines for Rp 90,000 last November.
"It is not the price," Sihono said, his eyes gleaming with pride. "It is that I did not expect a member of the keraton would appreciate my work.
"What's more, the figurines were to be taken to Japan as souvenirs."
He may be even prouder to know that his works adorn mantelpieces and coffee tables far from Indonesia. Foreign tourists, especially from Japan, the U.S., Netherlands and France, make up the bulk of his customers.
Tourist Sally Droge bought a Sihono figurine in Yogyakarta's Malioboro tourist belt.
"I like this although I do not know its name," the 23-year-old said as she laughingly pointed at the 20-cm figurine she purchased for US$5.
With his reputation firmly established, Sihono's main concern is that he does not have anyone to take over from him in his advancing years. Tourists may join him in hoping that his art will not stop if he decides to relax in his retirement.