Asian Culture
Wood statuette, 'Mermaid'
Emerging from a carved wooden shell is a seductive mermaid, forever confined to the limitations of her physical existence. Inspired by her antagonistic experience, master woodcarver Wayan Rendah sculpts her glorious features from crocodile wood.
'Flutist, ' statuette
His eyes closed while his soul elevates in the fascinating embrace of music, a flutist is transformed into a messenger of the universe. Portraying the illusion of movement with no effort, perfection in art is achieved through technique and control gained by years of hard work.
Wood statuette, 'Bumblebee Dance'
This lovely mahogany piece is hand-carved by the talented Nyoman Subrata, illustrating the enchanting "bumblebee dance." A young girl imitates a lotus flower in the traditional romantic dance between a young woman and man.
Wood statuette, 'Playing Flute'
Smooth details and concentric grain patterns evoke the peaceful harmony of this statuette. Wayan Rendah shapes the piece by hand from local crocodile wood, its blond hue accentuating precise artistry.
Wood statuette, 'Pose'
Fluid details captivate the viewer, as femininity courses through the seductive grain of suar wood. Carved by hand, this sculpture depicts a Balinese woman posed in an implicitly natural setting. She holds her long hair up above her head, accentuating sensual nude contours.
'Old Men's World, ' statuettes (set of 4)
In their meeting of great minds, these village elders inspire respectful admiration. Kumawat hand-carves each statuette in a different position from kadam wood. Detailed with extraordinary attention, each expressive piece looks happy and calm.
Wood statuette, 'Lithe Dancer'
Slim and graceful, a dancer turns her lithe body in elegant postures. Made Wirata coaxes the sensuous figure from richly grained suar wood. Each polished surface bears witness to the artisan's consummate skill.
Wood statuette, 'Condong Courtier'
Posing gracefully, a young woman practices movements from the Legong Kraton. Nyoman Sedayatana portrays a condong, the female subject of the king from one of Bali's most famous dances.
Wood statuette, 'Flower Girl'
Slim and graceful, a girl strikes the elegant poses of a dancer. She holds a delicate Balinese cempaka flower. Made Wirata coaxes the sensuous figure from richly grained suar wood, discovering fine details.
Wood statuette, 'Young Woman from Bali'
Wearing a floral crown, this young woman is demurely beautiful. She wears a traditional sarong and lavish jewelry, and her hair is combed into a swirling coif that tumbles down her back. Wayan Rendah carves an exquisite portrait of a Balinese lady.