Vishnu on Mount Mandara, with the naga Vasuki and the turtle Kurma, likely early 20th century, 37 cm, private collection The sculpture was carved from a light-colored, lightweight wood – likely panggal buaya, or crocodile wood. A male figure stands at the top of a rocky mass. He wears an ornate headdress and richly decorated garments. He performs a ritual gesture, holding a botanical element between his palms joined against his chest. A fantastical serpent figure, itself ador

Vishnu by a carver of the Njana Tilem Gallery, last third of the twentieth century, 38 cm This beautiful figure of Vishnu, carved in pale wood (likely panggal buaya, also known as "crocodile wood"), dates from the last third of the twentieth century. The monogram of the Njana Tilem Gallery is engraved beneath the base. Founded in the late 1950s by Ida Bagus Tilem, eldest son of Ida Bagus Njana, this gallery is located in the village of Mas. To this day, it employs skilled scu

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,