Overview
Carved from a single piece of rich, dual-toned suar wood, it showcases the fluid, elongated forms characteristic of mid-century Balinese artistic movements.
Preliminary identification
EstateRuth Field Guide
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Deep in the Balinese jungle, a golden deer appears.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece is the product of the highly skilled woodcarving cooperatives of Ubud or Mas in Bali. In the 1930s, Western artists like Walter Spies influenced local carvers to transition from purely religious temple art to expressive, elongated secular sculptures designed for appreciative global collectors.
Condition & Value
The sculpture appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible breaks to the highly vulnerable, delicate points of the headdresses or the bow. The wood has a beautiful, well-maintained luster, and the natural drying crack on the underside of the base does not compromise the structural integrity.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.