Modernized Traditional Figures

A major goddess Sarasvati is one of the three principal goddesses of the Tridevi (the supreme trinity in its feminine form), alongside Lakshmi and Parvati. She is associated with the creator god Brahma, either as his creation or as his consort. As the goddess of knowledge and the arts—particularly music—tradition credits her with the invention of Sanskrit. Her mount is a white goose or a swan. Certain representations influenced by Indian iconography depict her with four arms,

A Makara, before 1971, 30 × 19 × 13 cm, private collection The sculpture depicts a makara, a motif found in numerous representations from India to Southeast Asia, including China. The makara is a mythical creature associated with the aquatic realm. Its features draw from those of the elephant, the crocodile, and the dolphin. Endowed with a protective function, its image is often placed on the thresholds of palaces or temples, such as at Borobudur, as shown in the picture belo

Female figure (Dewi Sri?) by I Wayan Wiri, between 1950 and 1976, 73 cm, private collection At 73 cm in height, this sculpture is the tallest in my collection. What does it represent? I have no certainty on this point, but it may depict the goddess Dewi Sri. Dressed in a long gown, the figure holds a fold of fabric against her breast with one hand. Resting on her left forearm is a fragrant pudak—the inflorescence of Pandanus amaryllifolius, a plant widely cultivated in Indone

Ganesha by I Ketut Tulak, second half of the 20th century, 26.5 cm, private collection This small figure of a dancing Ganesha is signed by I Ketut Tulak. Although Tulak is generally recognized as a master, little information about him is available in French or English. Born in 1927, he appears to have been active until the early 21st century. His work demonstrates a keen sense of line and a remarkable ability to vary styles in the depiction of traditional themes, moving fluid

Shiva by I Ketut Sadra, second half of the 20th century, 36 cm The figure, richly adorned and wearing a crown, is seated on a lotus-shaped throne. Its front hands perform a mudra (a codified gesture endowed with ritual or symbolic value), while its two rear hands hold a lotus, a symbol of purity and spiritual elevation, and a fly-whisk, a symbol of royalty. The fineness of the features and the hair flowing slightly behind the shoulders might suggest a female figure. However,