Barong Wall Art: A Hand-painted Artwork on Velvet with Effect Lacquer, 90 × 70 cm
This Barong Wall Art captures one of the most famous scenes from Balinese mythology: the symbolic battle between Barong, the protective spirit in lion form, and his demonic opponents. The figures are depicted with great dynamism and expressive facial features – wide-open mouths, flowing hair, and richly decorated costumes bring the image to life. The use of effect lacquer on black velvet creates strong contrasts and highlights the movement in the motif. The exaggerated, almost grotesque elements are typical of the symbolic imagery.
The painting technique is based on traditional Balinese dance representations on fabric, which have been found for decades, especially in art markets around Ubud and Sukawati. The black velvet serves as a perfect stage, where colors like gold, white, red, and blue stand out impressively.
The wall art measures about 90 × 70 cm, weighs approximately 1.6 kg, and has a simple back without visible hanging. Each piece is handcrafted, making small variations in color gradients and expression a special characteristic.
Barong – The Guardian Between Worlds
Barong is one of the most well-known figures in Balinese mythology. He is a guardian spirit in animal form, usually with a lion-like head, shaggy fur, and radiant eyes. His role is to represent light, healing, and balance – not as a hero, but as an opponent to chaos.
His eternal adversary is Rangda, the witch queen, who embodies darkness and destruction. In a ceremonial dance battle, both face off against each other, not to achieve victory, but to maintain the balance of forces. In the Balinese worldview, light and darkness coexist – no side annihilates the other.
The depicted dance is therefore not a Western theatrical piece, but a spiritual ritual often performed at temple festivals with gamelan music, smoke, and trance. Dancers and priests communicate without words, allowing masks, movements, and rhythms to speak.
The wall art shows Barong with his golden headdress, his companions, and demons in a frozen movement – a scene that expresses both terror and protection. The exaggerated representation emphasizes the symbolic meaning of chaos as part of the balance.
Balinese Art on Velvet – Tradition Meets Modern Expressions
In Bali, one encounters images of gods in various techniques – carved, painted, embroidered, or printed. However, painting religious figures on textiles is not an originally Balinese craft but was likely introduced through influences from India, Java, and tourism.
Since the 1970s and 80s, with the growing tourism, a new form of spiritual art has developed: hand-painted cloths, flags, umbrellas, and velvet paintings. Particularly in art markets and studios in Ubud, Gianyar, and Sukawati, works depicting gods like Ganesha, Shiva, or Saraswati have emerged – usually on dark backgrounds with vibrant colors, effect lacquer, or gold dust.
These images are not traditional temple art but a modern, popular expression of spiritual symbolism. They combine craftsmanship with artistic freedom. Often, the artists come from artisan families who are also mask carvers, umbrella makers, or decorative painters and are characterized by fine brush strokes.
Painting on velvet is a special challenge: the uneven fabric absorbs color differently and changes its appearance depending on the light. Only experienced artists can draw lines on this material that make the divine figures appear alive.
Thus, each velvet painting is a unique piece – not only because of its handcrafted nature but also due to its connection of cult and art, everyday life and spirituality, as well as Bali and the world.
Product Details – Barong Wall Art 90 × 70 cm
- Material: Velvet textile, hand-painted, enhanced with effect lacquer
- Design: Horizontal composition with dynamic Barong figures
- Dimensions: approx. 90 × 70 cm
- Weight: approx. 1.6 kg
- Back: Neutral, no visible hanging
- Usage: Ideal for living spaces, studios, cultural institutions, and collectors
- Special Features: Effect lacquer, detailed image scene, traditional color design
Dealer Note
Kadek brings color into the dark – literally. His specialty is paintings on black fabric that, with strong colors and contrasts, almost appear to be illuminated from within. Each painting is a real eye-catcher and impresses with its fine execution. Therefore, the selection for the Bali Dreams Selection is always difficult, as each piece is a highlight.
Handcraft Note
Each Barong Wall Art is completely handcrafted. Small differences in tone and expression are characteristic and part of traditional Balinese velvet painting.
For more information on Balinese craftsmanship and the beauty of imperfection, please find here.
