Former lieutenant shapes an army of clay 'wayang' figurines

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.