Mid 20th Century Art Deco Balinese Modernist Macassar Ebony Sarasvati Swan Rider Sculpture

Details

Description

Overview
An exceqptional, gallery-grade Mid-Century Balinese modernist openwork sculpture depicting the Hindu Goddess Sarasvati riding her sacred companion swan (Hamsa). … Read more Overview
An exceqptional, gallery-grade Mid-Century Balinese modernist openwork sculpture depicting the Hindu Goddess Sarasvati riding her sacred companion swan (Hamsa). Hand-carved from a single, monumental block of choice, premium Macassar ebony wood, this piece stands as a premier testament to the artistic golden era centered around the elite Mas and Ubud artisan guilds of Bali.

Iconography & Artistry
The sculpture masterfully illustrates the fluid, elongated geometry characteristic of the iconic post-war Balinese Art Deco movement. The Goddess of wisdom, music, and the arts is rendered in a highly dynamic, stylized posture, gracefully cradling her sacred stringed instrument. Beneath her feet, the celestial swan forms the foundational base, surrounded by sweeping, pierced openwork waves and scrolling foliage elements. The artisan’s mastery is brilliantly showcased through the complex utilization of negative space, piercing entirely through the dense hardwood block to create a weightless, floating composition.

Condition & Presentation
This investment-grade asset is in pristine, collector-grade condition. The dense, high-density timber grain features a rich, deep midnight-espresso and charcoal patina with a striking liquid mirror-satin luster. The surface has been meticulously hand-maintained, with absolutely zero chips, cracks, breaks, impact fractures, or post-carving repairs. Perfect for high-end interior curation, executive mantles, or permanent ethnographic collections. This piece sat in a box in the back of a closet for 40 years before it was rediscovered perfectly preserved.

Dimensions
21"× 8"× 4" See less