Balinese Cultural Masks
Wood mask, 'Radiant Trinity'
Wayan Rendah explores the concept of Trimurti, the Hindu trinity, in an extraordinary mask. The three silhouettes represent Brahma, god of creation, Wisnu, god of life, and Siwa, god of destruction and reincarnation.
Silver and bronze mask, 'Man with Two Birds'
Twin birds crown a mysterious mask by Sukaenah. Inspired by the traditional art of Nusa Tenggara Timur in Indonesia, she sculpts a compelling image. Sukaenah casts her design in bronze and bathes it in gleaming sterling silver. .925 rating silver.
Wood mask, 'Baby's First Teeth'
Chubby cheeks and two new teeth identify this mask as a baby portrait. Framed in delicate tendrils, the smooth, childlike features seem poised between laughter and tears. Nyoman Naranata carves the piece from blonde hibiscus wood.
Wood mask, 'Good Clown'
Faith in the dual nature of beings leads to the creation of a "good" clown in Balinese stories. Nyoman Naranata heeds the call of tradition as he carves this admirable mask by hand. The light grain of hibiscus wood accentuates the mask's expressive features.
Wood mask, 'Dalem Bedaulu'
Hand-carved mask of Dalem Bedaulu. In 1343, the Majapahit Empire of east Java invaded Bali. Despite the fact that Bali fell under Javanese rule, the Balinese King Dalem Bedaulu is remembered as a worthy warrior.
'Barong, ' mask
Gede Suryanta creates this unique mask of Barong from jackfruit wood, using acrylics for the finishing. The mythic figure of Barong symbolizes the powers of good in Balinese culture and is represented as a kind of stylized lion.
Wood batik mask, 'Peacock Man'
Finely carved from pule wood, a serene personage is visited by a peacock that rests on his forehead. Lavish motifs in batik cover the mask's entire surface. This extravagant piece by Handaru Baskoro is a superb example of batik on wood.
Wood batik mask, 'Star Shadow'
This spectacular mask by Indonesian artist Handaru Baskoro exudes daring originality. Baskoro transfers traditional batik techniques to pule wood, deftly detailing the mask's distinguished features with florid elegance.
Wood mask, 'Black and Red Blossom'
Like a bud bursting to blossom, this mask celebrates nature's beauty. Wayan Rita carves an admirable mask from local albesia wood and paints it by hand, forming intricate patterns that require expert dexterity and patience.
Wood mask, 'Mysterious Majesty'
This mask by Wayan Rita personifies a royal Indonesian personage wearing an ornate headdress. An original piece, the mask is carved from albesia wood and painted by hand in great detail.