Signed Mid-Century Balinese Macassar Ebony Boma Guardian Mask by Ida Bagus Nyoman Subrata

Details

Description

An extraordinary, gallery-grade mid-century Balinese ritual guardian wall mask depicting the protective forest deity Boma (Bhoma). Hand-carved from a single, … Read more An extraordinary, gallery-grade mid-century Balinese ritual guardian wall mask depicting the protective forest deity Boma (Bhoma). Hand-carved from a single, exceptionally heavy section of premium solid Macassar Ebony wood, this investment-grade masterwork is a signed creation by the revered Balinese master artisan Ida Bagus Nyoman Subrata, hailing from an elite lineage of master woodcarvers.The mask displays a breathtaking command of deep-relief expressionist carving. Boma is rendered in spectacular ceremonial detail, featuring large bulging eyes, heavily layered eyebrows, a prominent round nose, and dramatic, flared fangs framing an elongated tongue. The artisan beautifully utilized the natural geometry of the wood block, allowing rich ribbons of chocolate-amber grain to swirl symmetrically across the face, contrasting beautifully against the dense, jet-black charcoal undertones.The lower chin extension features a finely incised traditional flaming crown emblem. The reverse side remains exceptionally smooth, showing clean chisel facets, a carved integrated wooden hanging loop with a braided cord, and the crisp, hand-signed signature reading "SUBRATA BALI". Kept in pristine collection storage, this showcase piece is in flawless gallery condition, completely free of any chips, cracks, structural checks, or past modifications.

Art Movement: Balinese Modernist Realism / Mythological Elite Guild Style

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

Artist/Carver: Ida Bagus Nyoman Subrata (Signed Reverse)

Subject: Deity Bhoma (The Guardian of Nature & Portals)

Material: Selected Highly Figured Solid Macassar Ebony Wood

Condition: Flawless vintage condition; structural lines are completely crisp and 100% intact; no fractures, blemishes, or repairs; beautiful hand-polished satin luster.

Dimensions
Height: 8 inches
Width: 8 inches
Depth: 3 inches

Estimated Era
Circa 1960s (The Peak Post-War Renaissance)
The specific stylistic layout of the hand-carved block signature on the reverse combined with the crisp, deep-relief execution of the facial features isolates this mask to the golden age of the mid-20th-century export market. This was an era when signed masterworks by the Subrata family were sought after by elite global art collectors. See less