
Jatayu and the Dragon,
2025
Kusbudiyanto
Painting : acrylic
100 x 150 x 5 cm 39.4 x 59.1 x 2 inch
Second NOT DISPLAYED BLUR TEXT
Free returns within 14 days
Authenticity guaranteed
Learn moreSecure payment
About the artwork
Type
Unique work
Signature
Hand-signed by artist
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Dimensions cm • inch
100 x 150 x 5 cm 39.4 x 59.1 x 2 inch Height x Width x Depth
Support
Framing
Not framed
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Artwork location: Indonesia
The Origins of Wayang Kulit Performances
Wayang Kulit is one of Indonesia's traditional art forms that has developed over centuries, particularly on the islands of Java and Bali. This art combines elements of drama, vocal art, music, visual art, and literature into a unique performance rich with philosophical meaning.
Origins and History
Influence of Local and Indian Culture
Wayang Kulit is believed to have originated from local Nusantara (Indonesian archipelago) culture, later influenced by Indian culture, especially during the introduction of Hinduism and Buddhism to Indonesia around the 1st century AD. Stories in wayang such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are literary legacies from India that were then adapted with local nuances.
The Hindu-Buddhist Kingdom Era
Wayang performances flourished during the time of major kingdoms such as the Medang Kamulan, Ancient Mataram, and Majapahit kingdoms. At that time, wayang served as a medium for religious preaching, education, and entertainment for both the common people and the nobility.
Transformation During the Islamic Period
When Islam spread to Java, wayang art did not disappear. In fact, the Wali Songo (nine Islamic saints), especially Sunan Kalijaga, used wayang as a tool for preaching. The form of wayang kulit was modified so it wouldn't resemble human figures (in accordance with Islamic prohibitions), and Islamic values were incorporated without eliminating the local cultural roots.
Function and Meaning
Wayang Kulit is more than just entertainment. It conveys moral messages, spiritual teachings, and depicts the conflict between good and evil. Characters like the Pandawa and Kurawa reflect the complex and dilemma-filled nature of human beings, yet always oriented toward goodness.
Wayang Kulit Performances
Performances are usually held at night and can last until dawn. In a single show, the dalang (puppet master) performs all the characters with remarkable skill and fluidity. The dalang also serves as narrator, voices the characters, and controls the storyline, accompanied by a gamelan orchestra and sindhen (female vocalists).
Characters:
Short Plot Summary:
Scene 1: The Haunted Forest of Seranggi
In the southern part of the Pancawati kingdom lies a cursed forest ruled by a terrifying creature called the Seranggi Dragon—a massive beast spreading poison and fear. The people dare not enter, for the dragon devours both humans and animals alike. Meanwhile, Jatayu, an old Garuda bird, feels called to protect the balance of nature. He resides atop Mount Mahendra, watching over the world below.
Scene 2: Shocking News
News of the Seranggi Dragon reaches Rama, who is living in exile with Shinta and Laksmana. However, as Rama is busy protecting Shinta from another looming threat (the shadow of Ravana), he sends Hanuman to investigate.
Hanuman reaches the forest but nearly falls victim to the dragon's poison, only to be saved by Jatayu. Hanuman pays his respects and conveys Rama's mission. Feeling it is time to once again uphold dharma, Jatayu agrees to face the dragon.
Scene 3: The Battle
Jatayu approaches the lair of the Seranggi Dragon. A tense dialogue follows: the dragon confesses he was sent by a dark force from Alengka (Ravana), with orders to destroy nature and spread terror to distract Rama.
Jatayu challenges the dragon, and a grand battle unfolds across sky and earth. The dragon breathes fire and poison; Jatayu strikes with his claws and radiant wings. Finally, Jatayu pierces the dragon's eye with his talon and defeats him.
Scene 4: Ending and Moral Message
With the dragon slain, the forest flourishes once more, and the people can return to farming. Rama, Hanuman, and the people honor Jatayu, who returns to his perch on Mount Mahendra.
Semar and the Punakawan appear to deliver a message:
About the seller
galerie bruno massa • France
Artsper seller since 2015
Vetted Seller
Top Seller
This seller rewards your purchases of multiple artworks
Imagine it at home

Discover more by the artist
Presentation
Kusbudiyanto is an Indonesian artist born in 1969 who lives & works in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. He started his artistic career in working for a company engaged in the export of crafts and assisting artisans. His job was product development and craft design. Learning from making designs to crafts helps him in continuing his hobby of painting. He was asked by this company to take part in working in design in the Philippines in 1996 and in the Netherlands in 2000. At the beginning of 2016 he learned to paint with canvas. He tried to paint with many themes such as the tradition of Satu Suro, Keris and other themes such as shadow puppet performances. These works were purchased by Mr. Seno Samudro who is the head of the Boyolali area in 2017. In 2018, he took part in the exhibition for the first time in Yogyakarta at Nandur Srawung, the participants were painters and sculptors throughout Indonesia, then Budaya Yogyakarta in 2019, Singapore in 2020 and many others exhibitions later.
More works from galerie bruno massa
This seller offers discount when you purchase multiple artworks!
Artsper delivers internationally. The list of countries is available in the first step of your cart.
If your country is not listed contact us at [email protected] and we will see what we can do.
Note that Customs fees may apply for works shipped internationally. This is indicated in the first step of the shopping cart.
You can choose a delivery address different from the billing address. Make sure that a trusted person is present to receive the work if you cannot be there.
Have you purchased a painting, sculpture or work on paper?
Find our expert advice for the conservation and promotion of your works in the articles below:
Artsper offers you access to more than 200,000 works of contemporary art from 2,000 partner galleries. Our team of experts carefully selects galleries to guarantee the quality and originality of the works.
You benefit from:
-
Works at gallery price
-
Return within 14 days, regardless of your location
-
Easy resale of the work purchased on Artsper
-
Personalized research tools (selection and tailor-made universe)
Our customer service is available for any assistance.
At Artsper, our mission is to allow you to collect works of art with complete peace of mind. Discover the protections we offer at every stage of your shopping experience.
Buy works from top galleries
We work in close collaboration with carefully selected art galleries. Each seller on Artsper is carefully examined and approved by our team, thus ensuring compliance with our code of ethics. You therefore have the assurance of purchasing authentic, high-quality works.
Total transparency: you know what you are buying
Before being posted online, all artwork on Artsper is reviewed and validated by our moderation team. You can browse with complete peace of mind, knowing that each piece meets our criteria of excellence.
Personalized support: our experts at your service
Our team of contemporary art experts is available by phone or email to answer all your questions. Whether you want advice on a work or a tailor-made selection to enrich your collection, we are here to support you.
Resell your works with ease
If you have purchased a work on Artsper and wish to resell it, we offer you a dedicated platform to relist it. To find out more, click here.
Make offers with Artsper: negotiate like in a gallery
You have the possibility to propose a price for certain works, just like in a gallery. This feature allows you to initiate discussions and potentially acquire your coins at advantageous prices.
Get help with your negotiations
Our team will negotiate for you and inform you as soon as the best offer is obtained. Do not hesitate to call on our expertise to ensure a transaction at the best price.
Order securely
Artsper satisfaction assurance
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If the work you receive is not to your liking, you have 14 days to return it free of charge, and you will be refunded in full, whatever the reason.
Secure payment with Artsper partners
All credit card payments are processed by Paybox, the world leader in payment solutions. Thanks to their strict security standards, you can transact with confidence.
Problem Support
In the rare event that an artwork arrives damaged or not as described, we are here to help. Whether for a return, refund, restoration or exchange, our team will support you throughout the process and will ensure that we find the solution best suited to your situation.
Conditions to benefit from Artsper protections:
-
Use one of the payment methods available on Artsper for your order.
-
Report any problems within one week of receiving the work.
-
Provide required photographic evidence (including original artwork and packaging).
Artsper guarantees cover the following cases:
-
The received work lacks a described characteristic (for example, a signature or frame).
-
The artwork has significant differences from its description (e.g. color variation).
-
The work is damaged upon receipt.
-
The work is lost or damaged by the carrier.
-
Delivery is significantly delayed.
With Artsper, you collect with complete peace of mind.