This 'kapal' horse is a mount for a prince. In the Javanese wayang kulit, or leather shadow puppet theatre tradition, there are five colour categories for horses - black, brown, yellow, white, and piebald. Dark brown is considered the most beautiful colour. Puppets such this piece appear alongside characters from the wayang stories that include the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.Wayang kulit is considered the highest of the performing arts. Performed in the royal courts of Java as early as the ninth century, this tradition continues to be treasured as one of the pusaka or sacred heirlooms of the court. Wayang kulit is traditionally performed on ritual feast days and religious ceremonies. It has also been adapted for television and public education campaigns.
