The Lontar Master
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ᝰ THE STORY
The hands of Wayan Muditadnyana rest firmly on one of the delicate pages of his treasured lontars—handmade manuscripts crafted from dried palm leaves, inscribed with sacred stories, religious texts, and poetry. More than just written records, lontars are living archives of Balinese identity, passed down through generations as symbols of spiritual power and cultural continuity. Yet, with fewer Balinese able to read and write Sanskrit, flawlessly executed lontars have become exceedingly rare. Pak Mudita, now 92, is believed to be among the last remaining masters of this ancient craft.
Despite his age, his mind remains sharp, though shadowed by concern for the future. “I have wanted to teach the young children of Tenganan village the high level of Balinese language,” he laments. “They cry because it is too hard! It seems they no longer have the ambition to learn new things. It makes me dizzy at times to see what our world has become.” His voice, tinged with deep dismay, softens as he reflects on the stark changes between generations. “Today’s biggest obstacle is the smartphone. From morning until night, children play with their phones! I do not agree with that, but what can I do? They do not want to learn the things they should. When I was a child, there was no radio, no TV, no phone. Our lives revolved around Balinese traditions—puppet shows, reading lontars, writing poetry, and practicing our sacred dances.”
A true savant and distinguished scholar, Pak Mudita still masters five languages, including Old Javanese (Kawi) and the various levels of Balinese, along with its ancient script, Aksara Bali. With quiet pride, he shares one of his most cherished works. “I wrote this lontar myself. It took me two years. It is one of my favorites. I even engraved its title in golden letters. The story tells of a young hero facing many trials. Let me chant a few verses for you now.” As the photograph captures this moment, The Lontar Master holds the fragile manuscript with reverence, fingers gently pressing against the centuries-old script while his voice breathes life into its verses.
For centuries, lontars have safeguarded the myths, teachings, and wisdom of the Balinese people. Yet today, they are vanishing. The intricate art of their creation has become so demanding that no more are being written. When representatives from UNESCO once visited Pak Mudita and offered him Rp.400 million (about 25,000 USD) for his manuscripts, he refused. Some things, he believes, are beyond price.
📍Karangasem, Bali 🗓 2023
❏ Fine Art Print
Printed on 210 gsm high-quality matte paper with 10-color digital inkjet technology. Can be matted and/or framed.
Available in the following dimension:
• 60 x 40 cm | 24 x 16”
❏ Aluminum Print
Printed on a sleek 3-mm, triple-layered aluminum composite material for a matte, reflection-free result using state-of-the-art printing method. Water-resistant, durable UV read-to-hang print suitable for sheltered, outdoor areas.
Available in the following dimension:
• 60 x 40 cm | 24 x 16”
Collector's Limited Edition of 15 copies worldwide.
Processed in Europe on one of the glossiest and most expensive photographic papers in the world—Fujiflex Crystal Archive.
The Fujiflex Crystal Archive paper is a special chromogenic paper with an ultra-high-gloss surface producing the highest professional photographic substrate currently available in the world. The quality of this paper is incomparable with any other papers on the market today.
This silver halide, true photographic printing material on a polyester base is produced to the highest gallery and competition standards. It is printed through a specialized process using laser exposure technology.
Your photograph is not printed like other papers with ink. It is instead exposed into the silver halide base with lasers and is then chemically processed.
The final result has to be seen to be believed as it leaves mica crystals on the paper that, when properly lit, produce a strikingly three-dimensional luxurious look and an appearance of being lit from behind.
The artist proposes 15 copies each available in the following sizes:
• 90 x 60 cm | 36 x 24”
• 150 x 100 cm | 60 x 40”
Such paper must be mounted on appropriate substrate and/or framed correctly to guarantee the best results.
Replica Edition
• Free shipping worldwide;
• Please allow up to 48 hours before your order is dispatched;
• Delivery time is about two to three working weeks depending on your country;
• Shipped in a sturdy mailing tube for the fine art prints and a protective cardboard box for the aluminum print;
• Fine art prints are sent by the post office from Indonesia while aluminum prints are processed and sent from Europe;
• A confirmation email is sent when the photo is shipped;
• Any custom and duty fees are the responsibility of the customer;
• Replica Edition prints come without white borders;
• Frame not included for the fine art prints
★ Original Edition
• Free shipping worldwide;
• Please allow up to 7 days before your order is dispatched;
• Delivery time is about two working weeks;
• Tracking available;
• Shipped in secure packaging handled by art professionals;
• Sent by UPS, FedEx, or DHL from Europe;
• A confirmation email is sent when the photo is shipped along with a digital Certificate of Authenticity and a handling and framing manual;
• Any custom and duty fees are the responsibility of the customer;
• Original Edition photographs come without white borders;
• Frame not included