Offered for auction: a truly unique and museum-worthy Balinese woodcarving of exceptional size. With a total height of no less than 137 cm, this is one of the largest statues of its kind ever to appear on the market.
Unique dimensions & Material: The statue is crafted from a solid block of precious Coromandel wood (Macassar Ebony). This wood is known for its extreme hardness and the beautiful, characteristic black-brown flame pattern. A trunk of this size can no longer be found today, making this object an irreplaceable collector's item. There is currently no second example known on the market of this size and quality.
Craftsmanship: The statue is a tribute to the heyday of Balinese craftsmanship (Pita Maha period, ca. 1930-1950). The central figure is surrounded by extremely refined, openwork ajour carving of floral tendrils and mythological motifs. The serene facial expression and elegant posture bear witness to a master carver of the top class (Maas region).
The statue rests on an imposing, separate pedestal 20 cm high, which is also richly decorated and crafted from the same heavy wood. The statue stands stably even without the pedestal, demonstrating the perfect balance in the design.
Condition & Provenance: This object has a documented history and was already traded at a renowned Belgian auction in the 1970s. Given its age of approximately 100 years, the wood exhibits characteristic shrinkage cracks here and there. This is a completely natural process for solid Coromandel of this size and age; it proves the authenticity of the antique wood. Some of these cracks have been expertly filled in the past, ensuring the sculpture is now fully finished and stable.
Features:
Height: 137 cm (incl. base)
Material: Coromandel / Macassar Ebony
Weight: Very heavy (solid heartwood)
Style: Balinese Modernism / Pita Maha
Special features: Unique size, including richly carved separate base.
