indonesia wood carving

A Balinese woman in full bridal regalia is depicted in this exquisite sculpture. Hand-carved from suar wood by Wayan Rendah, this statue exhibits a bride serenely at prayer. It is customary to find the bride and groom at prayer with their families prior to the wedding ceremony.

Captivating contours envelop this carving by Wayan Rendah, her sensuality represented with skilled accuracy. Using local suar wood, the artisan studies a woman bathing at the river - the material's grain coursing with fluidity as her hand appears to fuse with her hair.

Often associated with Lakshmi, Sri is a Hindu goddess of divine beauty who is believed to bring wealth and good fortune. Balinese artisan Wayan Nuliati pays homage to Sri with this sculpture, which is lovingly hand-carved of suar wood to capture every minute detail. Sri is captured in a kneeling pose as she performs an elegant dance.

Whirling in joyous movement, a voluptuous figure celebrates life. Wayan Rendah carves an invitation to join this happy dance. Working in suar, or monkeypod, wood, he shares the woman's happiness.

Inspired by traditional Indonesian folklore, Artisan Wayan Rendah crafts this amazing statuette from crocodile wood that tells the tale of Sang Hyan Raith. Dewi Ratih, known for her beauty and grace, is a Hindu goddess worshiped in Java and Bali. The ancient story tells of the demon Kala Rau, who had his plans to attack Vishnu thwarted by the beautiful goddess. Vishnu beheaded Kala Rau, and the head of the beast would chase Dewi Raith every full moon and swallow her whole, but the goddess would gracefully emerge from the demon's neck where his body once was. The story is believed to be the origin of lunar eclipses, and every full moon a ceremony is held in Bali to celebrate the beauty of the moon.

Named from an Indonesian word for "beautiful," this statuette depicts a willowy woman with long hair and jewelry posing gracefully. Hand-carved by Wayan Rendah, its black finish gives the suar wood form a timeless elegance.