Overview
Carved from a single block of dense, beautifully grained coromandel wood, this piece showcases the fluid, elongated forms characteristic of mid-century Balinese art.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
Carved from a single block of dense, beautifully grained coromandel wood, this piece showcases the fluid, elongated forms characteristic of mid-century Balinese art.
Story
Centuries of Hindu mythology come alive in this Balinese carving. This dramatic encounter triggers the entire epic adventure of the Ramayana.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this sculpture is the product of Bali's mid-century artistic renaissance, centered in villages like Ubud and Mas. During this period, local master carvers transitioned from creating purely religious temple art to expressive, stylized sculptures for international collectors, encouraged by visiting Western artists like Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet.
Condition & Value
The sculpture appears to be in excellent vintage condition with a rich, well-preserved original patina. There is a minor, natural age-related hairline separation visible on the underside of the base, which is very common for dense tropical hardwoods and does not negatively impact the value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.