Vintage Balinese Carved Goddess Pratima
Balinese Goddess Pratima – Carved Wood
Size: 19.5 x 7 x 6 cm (7 ¾ x 2 ¾ x 2 ¼ inches). Weight: 95 grams (3 ½ oz)
A charming carved and painted Balinese wooden pratima of a standing barefooted Goddess; probably Saraswati, the popular Goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom and learning.
She wears a classical Balinese costume, crown and earrings, and is holding a sacred pot.
I bought this carving from an antique shop in Bali in the early 1990s but believe it dates from the 1950s with the gold gilt possibly being applied later.
It is in excellent condition, without cracks, but a little bit dusty with an aged patina.