Brahmin Priest at a Temple Ceremony (1930/40s)

Balinese Brahmin Priest and Assistant Officiating at a Ceremony

Circa 1930/40s.    28 x 28 cm (11 x 11 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 a Balinese Brahmin Priest and his female assistant officiating at a temple ceremony.  The Priest sits cross-legged behind an offering table while ringing a sacred bell and reciting a prayer.  His female assistant, her hair adorned with frangipani flowers, kneels beside him and prepares to pour holy water from a ceret.  Both figures have wonderfully graceful bodies and the most beautiful and refined faces.

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 over 25 years.  Both are now for sale.