Vintage 1950s Balinese Modernist Dewi Uma With Lotus – Signed Exhibition Masterwork by I Made Narta

Details

Description

An absolute triumph of mid-century Balinese modernism and an museum-tier heirloom of the historic Mas artisan lineage, this magnificent 17½-inch … Read more An absolute triumph of mid-century Balinese modernism and an museum-tier heirloom of the historic Mas artisan lineage, this magnificent 17½-inch sculpture brings to life the divine presence of the goddess Dewi Uma. Carved from a single, exceptionally heavy, and structurally flawless block of premium tropical hardwood, the figure embodies the absolute peak of the post-war visual renaissance. Every line of her elongated, sweeping silhouette is executed with an almost ethereal grace, capturing the goddess with her head gently downcast in profound, meditative introspection as she stands cradling an extraordinary, multi-layered sacred lotus flower blossom against her shoulder.
The level of technical execution chiseled into this piece is staggering. The artisan has utilized a hyper-advanced method of deep-relief openwork to isolate the lotus, driving fine V-gouges entirely through the timber to create an array of fully freestanding, translucent petals and radiating fronds that emerge dynamically from her torso. Her face is a study in absolute tranquility, featuring elongated, half-closed almond eyes and highly refined geometric lines that flow seamlessly into a towering, multi-spired Karna royal crown. The intricate filigree of her ceremonial shoulder collar (badong), beaded necklaces, and detailed waist sashes are chased with spectacular, razor-sharp depth, showcasing a mastery of tools that completely sets this piece apart from any standard regional carving.
The underside of the base stands as a permanent monument to its historical authenticity, displaying the deeply incised, elegant cursive signature "NARTA / MAS / BALI" swept above a bold artisanal baseline stroke. Possessing an authoritative physical presence with an imposing 17½-inch height and a robust 4¼-inch by 6¾-inch footprint, the wood cells have been hand-burnished to a breathtaking, glass-smooth liquid-satin finish that pulls up an exquisite, deep honey-caramel luster. An irreplaceable, investment-grade masterwork of profound artistic and spiritual power, engineered to serve as the definitive crown jewel of any world-class collection or elite architectural space.

Physical Dimensions

• Height: 17½ Inches
• Width: 4¼ Inches
• Depth: 6¾ Inches

Condition Report

Pristine Gallery Condition. This monumental, signed Masterwork stands in 1,000% flawless structural condition, having been immaculately preserved with absolute museum-grade care. The high-density tropical wood cells are entirely stable and unified, showing an exquisite hand-burnished satin luster. Every intricate crown spire, delicate finger, and deep-relief flower petal remains fully intact and uncompromised, with absolutely zero structural hairline cracks, chips, surface splits, or previous repairs. See less