Mid 20th Century Balinese Macassar Ebony Art Deco Busts by I Wayan Suweda (Sumampan, Bali) - a Pair

Details

Description

An extraordinary, investment-grade paired set of mid-century Balinese Art Deco portrait busts. Hand-carved from dense, heavy, and intensely figured blocks … Read more An extraordinary, investment-grade paired set of mid-century Balinese Art Deco portrait busts. Hand-carved from dense, heavy, and intensely figured blocks of premium Macassar ebony wood, this striking pair represents a masterful pinnacle of post-war Balinese modernist sculpture from the renowned village of Sumampan.

The pieces display an absolute mastery of natural timber composition. Following a meticulous professional oiling, the tight grain pattern showcases a deep, glass-like luster where rich charcoal bands dramatically intertwine with vibrant warm amber and chestnut ribbons. The busts feature beautifully elongated profiles, heavily stylized hair configurations with incised geometric lines, and serene, downcast countenances.

As a true testament to the elite studio standards of the era, the pair exhibits a deliberate artistic asymmetry. The slightly larger bust features a beautifully elongated, sweeping wooden drop earring suspended from her earlobe, while her companion head mirrors her posture with clean structural balance. The underside of the ornate piece features the crisp, hand-incised master signature panel reading "I WI. SUWEDA / SUMAMPAN / BALI", definitively verifying its authentic vintage pedigree. Preserved in exceptional gallery condition, both pieces showcase a flawless, mirror-like surface texture completely free of chips, cracks, or repairs.

Art Movement: Balinese Modernist Art Deco / Golden Age Pitomaha Influence

Region of Origin: Sumampan, Ubud District, Bali, Indonesia

Artist/Carver: Workshop of I Wayan Suweda (Signed)

Material: Premium Highly Figured Macassar Ebony Wood

Condition: Flawless vintage condition; beautifully oiled to a spectacular glass-like finish; structural lines are completely crisp and pristine with zero chips or defects.

Dimensions & Specifications

Bust 1 (Signed with Earring): 13.5" H x 6.5" W x 3.5" D | Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz

Bust 2 (Companion Piece): 13.25" H x 5.5" W x 4.0" D | Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz

Estimated Era

Circa 1950s–1960s (The Golden Post-War Era)
I Wayan Suweda's signed workshop pieces from Sumampan during this timeframe are highly sought after by global connoisseurs for their seamless blending of traditional Balinese religious iconography with international mid-century avant-garde design principles. See less