Mas Bali, Female Figure, 1900, Wood

Details

Description

Impressive early 20th-century balinese carved female figure, executed in dense tropical hardwood and standing approximately 150 cm high.
the piece … Read more Impressive early 20th-century balinese carved female figure, executed in dense tropical hardwood and standing approximately 150 cm high.
the piece features the authentic hand-chiseled signature "mas bali" in capital letters under the base, certifying its origin from the legendary village of mas, the undisputed historical capital of elite woodcarving in bali.
historical & artistic context

the sculpture depicts an elegantly posed female figure wearing traditional ceremonial dress and an elaborate headdress, while holding a ritual vessel. The entire surface is richly worked with hand-carved ornamental motifs, including floral and geometric decoration, finely incised textile patterns, jewelry details and carefully modeled hair.
particularly remarkable is the quality of the carving. The sculptor has used the compact grain of the hardwood to obtain deep yet precise incisions, sharp decorative borders and a strong sculptural definition throughout the figure. The natural variations in the wood, together with the warm brown patina developed over time, give the piece considerable depth and character.
the figure is carved largely from a substantial section of solid tropical hardwood, with the natural structure and age-related movement of the material still visible. Minor variations, old shrinkage lines and surface irregularities are consistent with the age and handmade nature of the work and contribute to its authentic decorative presence.
balinese figurative sculpture of this type is closely connected with the island’s long tradition of temple, ceremonial and decorative wood carving, where human figures, ritual attributes, textiles and elaborate hairstyles are rendered with exceptional ornamental richness.
with its imposing scale of approximately 150 cm, this sculpture works exceptionally well as a freestanding decorative piece in an entrance hall, living room, gallery, hotel interior or eclectic contemporary setting. Its vertical proportions and refined silhouette allow it to function almost as an architectural element within an interior.
origin: bali, indonesia
period: early 20th century, circa 1900
material: hand-carved tropical hardwood
height: approximately 150 cm
provenance: a&myart collection since 1978
catalog number: ma k90
condition note
good antique condition consistent with age and use. Natural patina, minor surface wear, small age-related cracks and variations in the wood are present and should be considered part of the sculpture’s authentic character. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less