Winged Lion Sculpture Hand Carved from Suar Wood (Medium), "Symbol of Singaraja in Red"

This sculpture, presented by Balinese artisan Nyoman Sedayatana, depicts the 'Singa Ambara Raja', the state symbol of the Singaraja region in Bali. The winged lion creature is carved by hand, and painted in shades of red, brown and gold. The artisan gives the piece a slightly distressed finish, lending it the look of a prized antique.

The 'Singa Ambara Raja' represents the Indonesian State Foundation. The original statue is built on a foundation in the shape of a pentagon, referring to the five principles of Indonesian State Philosophy, called the Pancasila. The date of the proclamation of the Independent Republic of Indonesia (August 17, 1945) is hidden within the details of the statue. There are 17 long feathers on each wing of the lion. The jagung gembal, a type of Balinese corn that is held in the lion's paws, has 8 leaves and 45 grains. The winged lion is supported by 9 water lily petals, representing the 9 districts of the region.