Overview
This is a large-scale batik painting on fabric, a traditional Indonesian art form that uses wax-resist dyeing to create intricate pictorial scenes.
Identification
Indonesian Batik Painting of Birds, signed 'Wimarto', c. 1970s
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
During the 1960s and 1970s, Indonesian artisans successfully transitioned traditional batik from functional garments to intricate fine art paintings, responding to a booming international appreciation for Southeast Asian aesthetics.
Maker / Origin
Though unlisted in major global auction indices, 'Wiharto' represents the highly skilled class of regional Javanese artisans who popularized tropical flora and fauna motifs for both local collectors and the Western export market.
Condition & Value
As an unframed vintage textile, the valuation assumes the absence of UV fading and moisture damage, which frequently plague mid-century dyes and can heavily penalize secondary market value. The fabric shows a prominent vertical stain or water damage near the top center and general toning consistent with age.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
Because direct comparable sales for 'Wiharto' are currently absent from major institutional databases, this valuation is heavily market-informed by proxy comps of mid-century signed Indonesian avian batiks. To establish fair market value, we anchor on similarly scaled, artisan-signed pieces from the 1960s–1980s, such as avian batiks sold at Selkirk Auctioneers ($100) and Dana Auctions ($50). While dealer retail ceilings for framed examples by peers like 'Pragitha' can stretch to $200–$250, the secondary auction liquidity for unlisted artisan batiks relies strictly on decorative scale, the visual density of the wax-resist 'crackle' effect, and overall condition. The $75 to $150 range represents a realistic hammer price for an original, signed vintage piece in good condition, applying a necessary value ceiling due to the artist's unlisted status.
Value Drivers
▲ Original artist signature ('Wiharto') confirming distinct artisan authorship rather than anonymous mass-production
▲ High-contrast tropical bird motif, which remains one of the most historically successfully exported and liquid subjects in the Western secondary market
▲ Visible traditional wax-resist 'crackling' effect, authenticating the mid-century handmade dye process
Concerns
▼ The artist is unlisted in major institutional indices, capping the artwork firmly at a decorative value tier
▼ Textile support is highly susceptible to UV fading, moisture damage, and inherent tension wear if improperly stretched or framed over time
Best Venue
Online marketplaces (Etsy, eBay) leveraging 'Mid-Century Boho' or 'Tropical Art' keywords for direct retail, or regional estate auction houses specializing in ethnographic textiles (e.g., Material Culture).
Upside Potential
Professional archival framing or verified large-scale dimensions (over 36 inches) could elevate the piece toward the retail ceiling of $200-$250.
The upgraded report is now attached to this item.