Balinese Girls with Temple Offering (1930/40s)

Balinese Girls Preparing a Fruit Offering for a Temple Ceremony

Circa 1930/40s.   33 x 30 cm (13 x 12 inches)

This exceptionally fine Balinese wood carving was commissioned from a master carver in the 1930s or 40s by a wealthy Chinese Balinese collector, and was displayed in his own private museum and gallery until the late 1980s when a change of circumstances forced its sale (a new tax on assets).

It is a unique one-of-kind carving of the finest quality.  It depicts two young Balinese women in traditional costume, with frangipani flowers in their hair, preparing a fruit offering for a temple ceremony.

Both figures are kneeling, with all four hands supporting the tower of fruit, their slender bodies virtually mirroring each other.  The carver has managed to convey the sense of physical grace and spiritual refinement that so typifies Balinese women.

This is Balinese artistry and craftsmanship of the very highest kind…an altogether exceptional piece worthy of any museum collection.  It was carved from a single piece of satin wood and polished with beeswax, and over the years has turned a lovely golden brown. It is in excellent condition.

This is one of a pair of stunning pieces by the same carver that have been in our private collection for almost 25 years.  Both are now for sale.