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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: rspangler1 on September 13, 2009, 08:49:02 PM

Title: Chinese Coin Figures
Post by: rspangler1 on September 13, 2009, 08:49:02 PM

Could anyone help me with the origin of these statues and possibly the value.  Thanks

Title: Re: Chinese Coin Figures
Post by: fancypants on September 13, 2009, 10:30:20 PM

It would be nice to know what they're made from , size and any artists'/makers marks on your item .

Can you post what you do already know about it ?

Where/how did you come across this item , rspangler1 ( and BTW , welcome to the forum ) .


First knee-jerk reaction is Lokapala , but I'm not really so sure about anything on these yet .

Title: Re: Chinese Coin Figures
Post by: sapphire on September 14, 2009, 06:03:48 AM

There were a few sold here, but little information on them:

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/lady-statue-from-bali-made-from-coins

A Bali Coin Funeral statue at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum in Ocean City, Maryland......

Title: Re: Chinese Coin Figures
Post by: regularjoe2 on September 14, 2009, 08:08:27 AM

These are known as Ukur (statuary form) and are funerary items , also made in a textile form .

Chinese coins , called 'pis bolong' in Bali , are very common in the culture (both original and replica coins) there .

Loosely translated , the ukurs' purpose was to diagram the deseased persons' body systems to be sure that after rebirth , the dead persons' bones & nerves , etc. would be in the proper dimentions & arrangement .

Sometimes two were made , one for the cremation ceremony & one for a keepsake &/or to be buried with the dead guys' bones .

Rich Balanese folks would often use precious metals for the purpose ( & not bury or burn them) .

Ukur are typically made with 108 coins .
Cool & creepy statues , rspangler1 .

Title: Re: Chinese Coin Figures
Post by: KC on September 14, 2009, 10:41:57 AM

I think regularjoe hit it right on.....but wonder what these are made of?