Putu Oka Mahendra Oka Mahendra opened a showroom in memory of his mother... She was a woman full of energy and highly self-confident. Putu Oka Mahendra was born in the Tabanan regency of Bali on June 12, 1966. His mother, Made Tantri, pioneered ceramic artistry in 1980. She was a woman full of energy and highly self-confident. When she first started she undertook the entire crafting procedure by herself - from creating the design until finishing the product. She gradually developed a reputation for fine design and high quality and people started placing so many orders that she saw the need to hire assistants. In 1990, when Tantri passed away, Oka Mahendra took-over her work, and eventually opened a showroom in her memory. To create his designs, Oka Mahendra finds inspiration in the luscious flora and fauna of Bali. In 1993, he was the third place winner for his ceramic designs in the Lomba Ceramic Design contest. Oka Mahendra has exhibited his handcrafted items at the Asian Trade Fair (ATF) at Jakarta in 1993 and participated in exhibits in Jakarta (1995 and 2000), Bali (1997-1998) and recently at the Korean and Hong Kong Embassies in Jakarta (2001). |
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What an amazingly fun piece - the frog hugs the rim of the platter as though in hiding. The workmanship, craftsmanship, artistry are unparalleled. I love this platter and cannot wait to use it. The presentation of the platter was also a wonderful surprise - the artists of Novica package them so that upon arrival you feel as though you've been sent a lovely gift rather than just the "item I purchased" - I plan to use Novica for as much as possible in the future! - Linda L, Bradenton, FL, USA My candleholders are wonderful. Great design and high quality. Thanks!!! - Laura W, Fresno, CA USA The Lingering Turtle tea pot just arrived (earlier than expected ! ) and was beautifully giftwrapped and packaged. I'm amazed at the care of the packing and, well, it is just a handsome package. But the tea pot !!!! I have other pieces by Oka Mahendra, but this is my favorite so far. Fine materials, fine craftmanship, fine detail. His mother should be pleased. Oka Mahendra, thank you for helping me give a very special gift to a very special friend - Michael F, Washington State, USA Your cone rice bowls are wonderful.I especially like the built in chopstick holders. They are my son's favorite dishes. Thank you! - Michelle C, Norton, Ma, USA The Frog Fancy II sugar bowl and creamer set arrived today. They were carefully and beautifully wrapped. Thank you for crafting such lovely pieces; I love them! - Patricia S, Dobbs Ferry/NY/USA I got my Jepun Garden today! I'm so excited! I'm impress with the wrap so attractive and the set meet with my expectation. Love the product and I hope next year I have a chance to meet with the artist him self in Bali! Sampai jumpa beli Oka semoga Bali and Java di kunjungi para turis lagi just like an old time! - Cindy G, Lake Charles, LA Love the Jepun Garden (tea set for 2). Fancy smancy wrapped! too bad there's no artist's signature so I have to do it my self on the bottom of the saucers. Beli Oka it'd be better if u put ur signature down there with the title so the whole world will know ur art. I hope next year i have a chance to visit ur gallery and meet u in person beli. Sampai jumpa di pulau dewata. - Cinthia G, Lake Charles, LA, USA My wife and I just recently visited Bali and she fell in love with the condiment bowls on our dinner table. We asked about purchasing a similar item and were directed to your artwork. We received the item today and couldn't be more thrilled! It is more than a useful serving bowl or a conversion piece, It is truly a work of art! We are very pleased with the workmanship and it will serve as a beautiful reminder of our trip to Bali. Thank You, The Phillips - Robert Phillips, Pennsylvania, USA Our package arrived today. I wanted to let you know the items are even nicer than the photo, and the photos were good. We are very pleased. The packaging was excellent (I work in e-tail and I wondered how well they would survive the long trip!) We are considering ordering more from this collection for our new kitchen! - Liza S, Milford, CT, U.S.A. I just received your "Rain Frog" tray - so simply and beautifully made. It is a welcome addition to my modest kitchen! Most Sincerely, - Nancy Linkous, Hampton, Virginia, USA I purchased the ceramic lotus pond soap dish and they are just wonderful. I just love that such an everyday type item is actually a piece of art. They are beautiful, thank you. - M Bernard, Jamestown, ND I love the bowls I purchased - the depth of color is amazing. They're so pretty I find I use them for everything. Really beautiful - thank you! - Anne Medley, Kansas City, KS, USA Dear Mr Mahendra, I love my new baby elephant tea pot. It is sweet and just the touch I wanted. Thank you for the beautiful piece. Karen Eaton PS The package was a delight to receive! - Karen Eaton, New York City, NY USA After New Years I decided to treat myself to a little gift and was I excited when I received the "Duck Family" tea set. The photographs do it no justice. The work is amazing and I was tempted to put it on a shelf and not use it as it was so nice. However, on a few occasions when really special guests come over and I want to impress them, I serve tea in it. The comments have always been very positive and everybody wants to know where I purchased it and how they could buy one. I am extremely pleased and thank the artist for giving me a little extra joy when I have my afternoon tea. Great job! It isn't just for looks but makes a wonderful tea pot and set. - Erich Shelton, Evansville, IN - USA I just received the "lingering turtle" teapot, nicely done! Keep up your good work and I'll be back for more............... - Angela |
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