How do I care for my tapestry?

As with any work of art, direct sunlight will fade colors over time, especially for tapestries with natural dyes. We recommend hanging your tapestry in an area that avoids direct sun exposure to maintain vibrancy. To clean your woven tapestry, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment or dry clean if necessary. Spot treatment can also be used with a gentle fabric cleaner, but we recommend testing it on a small area first. Alternatively, you may hand wash your tapestry using cold water, then hang it to dry in the shade. Some tapestries made from cotton fabric may be machine washed on cold.

What are the most common materials used to make tapestries?

When it comes to handcrafted traditional tapestries, the most common materials include wool, cotton, silk, and natural dyes. Certain regions incorporate unique materials or designs into their tapestries. In the Andes, alpaca fiber is commonly used. In India, one finds batik printed cotton. In Mexico and Central America sheep wool and natural cotton threads are frequently used. In Thailand, rich silk material is a feature of handmade tapestries.

What makes a tapestry eco-friendly?

To craft an eco-friendly tapestry, traditional artisans hold themselves to high standards, both in terms of materials and processes. Natural fibers, textiles, and dyes are derived from plants and trees. Some artisans even incorporate recycled or upcycled materials in their commitment to eco-friendly processes. Traditional art forms that are passed down through the generations are often painstakingly made by hand. They are naturally eco-friendly, as they avoid mass production, factory runoff, and industrial waste. This also means that each tapestry is uniquetruly one of a kind.

Are tapestries a good way to insulate a room?

When it comes to tapestries, function meets style! A handmade tapestry can be a great way to brighten up any living space while providing insulation against the cold. Materials like alpaca and sheep wool create natural warmth by trapping cool air inside the cloth, creating a more stable temperature within the room.

Are tapestries handmade?

While factory-produced tapestries are increasingly available to consumers, traditional, authentic tapestries are handmade by artisans who often learn the artform from older generations. Skilled makers from the Andes, India, Mexico and Thailand make use of foot-treadle or backstrap looms, where they interweave warp and weft threads and then tamp them down into a tight stitch. An artisan may finish a handmade tapestry by using a needle and thread or a sewing machine for final touches.

What are the most popular tapestry designs?

Traditional tapestries depict scenes and images which are drawn from the lives and natural environments of the artisans who craft them. Some include geometric designs, like the mandala, which is thought to represent wholeness and symmetry. Others make use of paisley, floral, or leafy patterns, particularly in tapestries from India. Central American tapestries may incorporate geometric motifs, animals, and people, while Mexican tapestries are often colorful with Greca patterns and designs. Thai artisans use symbols that are popular within Thai culture, religious characters, animal scenes, or depictions of human forms. Unique tapestries from the Andes are often vibrant with elaborate scenes that incorporate folklore, village life, and pastoral existence.

What are traditional methods of making tapestries?

The methods for making tapestries vary as widely as the regions from which they come. Because many traditional artisans adopt the methods of their ancestors, they have kept those ancient artforms alive and well. In the Andes, weavers often work on a wooden treadle loom in which they use foot pedals, called treadles, to control the weave of the tapestry. In Central America, the treadle loom and the backstrap loom are both integral to tapestry art. The backstrap loom is one of the oldest techniques which dates back thousands of years, in which one part of the loom is attached to the weaver and the other part is attached to a fixed object (historically, a tree). To create vibrant color, artisans embroider and dye their tapestries with natural plants and pigments. Around the world, weavers use tie-dye, Dabu (the application of wax or gum clay and resin to the cloth to create a diffuse color effect), Batik (an ancient method in which dye-resistant wax is applied to cloth to create select patterns of color), hand embroidery, and patchwork to create unique and diverse tapestry art.

Where did tapestries originate?

The tapestry is an ancient textile art form that dates back thousands of years to early civilizations in Peru, Egypt, and Thailand. In Peru, skilled weavers used colorful camelid fiber threads to create beautiful tapestries for ritualistic funeral mantles. Ancient Incas wove short tunics (Unku) to show importance and social status. Ancient Egyptians crafted shroud-like tapestries to bury their dead. Tapestries gained international prominence when Europeans began to decorate their castles and churches with elaborate textiles that depicted historical scenes, as well as religious messages. Today, skilled artisans preserve the ancient techniques of their ancestors. In Thailand, for example, silk weavers are renowned for techniques that have been used since the rule of the Angkor kings circa 800 A.D. In Central America, contemporary weavers pay homage to early Mayan artisans who used plants, shells, and even snails to color their first tapestries in the 15th century. In India, where some of the first tapestries were made and the textile industry became the base of their economy, the skills of generations past still live on in modern artisans.

Balinese Wall Decor at NOVICA

Wood relief panel, 'Sun Flower' - Floral Sun-Themed Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Bestseller

Sun Flower, Floral Sun-Themed Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Seji Taram

(313)

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Wood relief panel, 'Sacred Om' - Wood relief panel

Bestseller

Sacred Om, Wood relief panel

Seji Taram

(313)

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Golden Scorpion, Hand Made Bronze Scorpion Wall Hook

Adi Noviantara

(89)

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Wood wall relief, 'Balinese Spiral Flower' - Hand Carved Floral Wood Wall Relief from Indonesia

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Balinese Spiral Flower, Hand Carved Floral Wood Wall Relief from Indonesia

Seji Taram

(313)

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Dragon Game, Hand Crafted Wood Relief Panel

Seji Taram

(313)

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Wood relief panel, 'Winged Dragon Figure' - Artisan Crafted Wood Relief Panel

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Winged Dragon Figure, Artisan Crafted Wood Relief Panel

Seji Taram

(313)

$71.24 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Plumeria Vine' - Floral Wood Relief Panel Hand Carved in Indonesia

Plumeria Garden, Floral Wood Relief Panel Hand Carved in Indonesia

Seji Taram

(313)

$59.49 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Life of the Sea' - Suar Wood Wall Relief Panel of Sea Life from Indonesia

Bestseller

Life of the Sea, Suar Wood Wall Relief Panel of Sea Life from Indonesia

Made Mulyani

(225)

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Mermaid Kitty in White, Mermaid Cat Wall Sculpture in White and Gold from Bali

Nengah Sudarsana

(549)

$97.74 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Enraged Dragon' - Suar Wood Wall Relief Panel of a Dragon from Indonesia

Bestseller

Enraged Dragon, Suar Wood Wall Relief Panel of a Dragon from Indonesia

Made Mulyani

(225)

$61.74 Wholesale

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Butterfly on a Flower, Floral Butterfly Suar Wood Relief Panel Crafted in Bali

Eka

(659)

$66.29 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Sunflower' - Floral Motif Artisan Hand Carved Wood Relief Panel

Bestseller

Sunflower, Floral Motif Artisan Hand Carved Wood Relief Panel

Seji Taram

(313)

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Wood wall sculpture, 'Mermaid Kitty in Dark Grey' - Mermaid Cat Wall Sculpture in Dark Grey and Gold from Bali

Bestseller

Mermaid Kitty in Dark Grey, Mermaid Cat Wall Sculpture in Dark Grey and Gold from Bali

Nengah Sudarsana

(549)

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Bestial Balance, Hand Carved Dragon Duo Wood Wall Relief Panel from Indonesia

Seji Taram

(313)

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Wood wall relief panel, 'Lotus Crest' - Lotus Flower Wall Relief Panel in Hand Carved Suar Wood

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Lotus Crest, Lotus Flower Wall Relief Panel in Hand Carved Suar Wood

Eka

(659)

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Curated gift set, 'Serene Meditation' - Curated Gift Set with 3 Meditation and Yoga-Themed Items

Gift Set | Serene Meditation, Curated Gift Set with 3 Meditation and Yoga-Themed Items

$102.34

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Flower Peace, Batik Rayon Bunting with Peace Motif

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

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Under Protection, Buddha-Themed Suar Wood Relief Panel

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

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Wood relief panel, 'One Turtle Heart' - Tropical Romantic Heart-Shaped Suar Wood Turtle Relief Panel

Bestseller

One Turtle Heart, Tropical Romantic Heart-Shaped Suar Wood Turtle Relief Panel

Eka

(659)

$104.49 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Dragon of Fire' - Hand Carved Suar Wood Balinese Dragon Relief Panel

Bestseller

Dragon of Fire, Hand Carved Suar Wood Balinese Dragon Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

$75.99 Wholesale

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Wood wall sculpture, 'Guardian Dragons' - Hand Carved Relief Wall Sculpture

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Guardian Dragons, Hand Carved Relief Wall Sculpture

Seji Taram

(313)

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'The Gods,' Balinese calendar - Handcrafted Palm Leaf Wall Hanging

The Gods, Handcrafted Palm Leaf Wall Hanging

Nengah Dika

(1)

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Wood wall mirror, 'Mysterious Dragon' - Hand-carved Wood Dragon Wall Mirror from Bali

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Mysterious Dragon, Hand-carved Wood Dragon Wall Mirror from Bali

Sarwaedi

(155)

$151.99 Wholesale

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Tree Hugger, Suar Wood Relief Panel with Tree Motif

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

$89.99 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Floating Koi' - Hand Crafted Suar Wood Relief Panel

Bestseller

Floating Koi, Hand Crafted Suar Wood Relief Panel

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

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Buleleng Bouquet, Grape Motif Round Wall Mirror with Distressed Finish

Sarwaedi

(155)

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Heaven's Gate, Hand Made Suar Wood Relief Panel

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

$98.99 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'The Promise of Love' - Hand-Carved Heart-Shaped Brown Suar Wood Relief Panel

Bestseller

The Promise of Love, Hand-Carved Heart-Shaped Brown Suar Wood Relief Panel

Wayan Rendah

(614)

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Lucky Hen, Lucky Hen and Chinese Coin Wood Wall Relief Panel

Eka

(659)

$42.49 Wholesale

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Ginseng Tree, Hand Carved Suar Wood Tree-Motif Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

$76.49 Wholesale

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Wood wall sculpture, 'Fairy-tale Dragonfly' - Painted Gamal and Jempinis Wood Dragonfly Wall Sculpture

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Fairy-tale Dragonfly, Painted Gamal and Jempinis Wood Dragonfly Wall Sculpture

Made Arsa

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Perched Peacocks, Suar Wood Relief Panel with Peacock Motif

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

$98.99 Wholesale

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Climbing Flower, Hand-Carved Floral Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Wayan Nuliati

(25)

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Wood relief panel, 'Evil Eye Hamsa' - Hand-Carved Wood Wall Relief Panel of Hamsa Evil Eye Amulet

Bestseller

Evil Eye Hamsa, Hand-Carved Wood Wall Relief Panel of Hamsa Evil Eye Amulet

Seji Taram

(313)

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Batik rayon wall hanging, 'Meditation Chakra' - Floral Chakra Batik Rayon Wall Hanging from Bali

Bestseller

Meditation Chakra, Floral Chakra Batik Rayon Wall Hanging from Bali

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

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Wood relief panel, 'Magical Leaves' - Tree-Themed Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Bestseller

Magical Leaves, Tree-Themed Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Seji Taram

(313)

$109.24 Wholesale

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Flying Dragon, Suar Wood Wall Sculpture

Seji Taram

(313)

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Enchanted Mushroom, Hand-Painted Blue Mushroom-Themed Wood Wall Art

Made Arsa

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Glass decorative wall mirrors, 'Reflective Doves' (pair) - Glass Dove Decorative Wall Mirrors from Java (Pair)

Bestseller

Reflective Doves, Glass Dove Decorative Wall Mirrors from Java (Pair)

Sapto Daryono

(6)

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Ethereal Leaves, Hand-Carved Suar Wood Relief Panel of a Leafy Tree from Bali

Sarwaedi

(155)

$76.49 Wholesale

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Moon Over Garden, Hand Made Suar Wood Moon-Motif Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

$76.49 Wholesale

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Glorious Elephant, Antiqued Gold-Tone Wood Elephant Wall Sculpture from Bali

Gio

(13)

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Cotton macrame wall hanging, 'Dawn in Tegalalang' - Macrame Cotton Wall Hanging in Ivory from Bali

Bestseller

Dawn in Tegalalang, Macrame Cotton Wall Hanging in Ivory from Bali

Elis Mufarroha

(4)

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Wood relief panel, 'Peace Begins with Love' - World Peace Project Wood Wall Panel Handcarved in Bali

Bestseller

Peace Begins with Love, World Peace Project Wood Wall Panel Handcarved in Bali

Wayan Rendah

(614)

$87.99 Wholesale

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Flowering Shimmer, Artisan Crafted Suar Wood Relief Panel

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

$89.99 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Growing Bamboo' - Hand Carved Suar Wood Leaf-Motif Relief Panel

Bestseller

Growing Bamboo, Hand Carved Suar Wood Leaf-Motif Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

$74.09 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Sky Dragon' - Winged Dragon Wall Panel Hand Carved from Wood

Bestseller

Sky Dragon, Winged Dragon Wall Panel Hand Carved from Wood

Seji Taram

(313)

$90.24 Wholesale

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Bamboo Leaves, Bamboo Motif Hand Carved Wood Relief Panel

Luh Mas Sri Pertamiari

(70)

$48.39 Wholesale

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Ancient Mischief, Balinese-Made Hand-Carved Suar Wood Mask of Ancient Devil

Wayan Rendah

(614)

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Dragon Couple, Dragon-Themed Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Wayan Rendah

(614)

$101.99 Wholesale

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Bronze wall hook, 'Golden Dragonfly' - Hand Cast Bronze Dragonfly Wall Hook

Bestseller

Golden Dragonfly, Hand Cast Bronze Dragonfly Wall Hook

Adi Noviantara

(89)

$42.23 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Petaled Om' - Handcrafted Suar Wood Floral Om Relief Panel from Bali

Bestseller

Petaled Om, Handcrafted Suar Wood Floral Om Relief Panel from Bali

Eka

(659)

$56.99 Wholesale

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Floral Jungle, Hand-Carved Brown Leafy and Floral Relief Panel from Bali

Made Mulyani

(225)

$72.24 Wholesale

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Condong Dancer I, Color Photograph of a Balinese Ceremonial Dancer

Rudy Adnyana

(2)

$134.29 Wholesale

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Jesus' Birth, Hand Carved Balinese Relief Panel of the Holy Family

Seji Taram

(313)

$61.19 Wholesale

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Om Sanctuary, Balinese Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Om Wood Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

$80.74 Wholesale

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Wood relief wall panel, 'Touch of Jepun' - Hand Carved Suar Wood Relief Panel of Frangipani

Bestseller

Touch of Jepun, Hand Carved Suar Wood Relief Panel of Frangipani

Seji Taram

(313)

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Condong Dancer II, Condong Dancer in Bali Color Photograph

Rudy Adnyana

(2)

$134.29 Wholesale

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Lotus Omkara, Hand-Carved Floral Om Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Seji Taram

(313)

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Beauty in Bali, Hand Carved Wood Cross with Balinese Design Motif

Eka

(659)

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Legong Dancer, Balinese Ceremonial Dancer Portrait Color Photograph

Rudy Adnyana

(2)

$134.29 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Hindu Goddess Saraswati' - Balinese Hand Carved Relief Panel of the Goddess Saraswati

Bestseller

Hindu Goddess Saraswati, Balinese Hand Carved Relief Panel of the Goddess Saraswati

Ketut Sandi

(33)

$503.49 Wholesale

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Ongkare, Balinese Om-Themed Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

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Ganesha Moon, Ganesha in Crescent Moon Hand Carved Wood Relief Panel

Eka

(659)

$88.19 Wholesale

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Beach Waves in Black, Black Teak Wood Coat Rack Hanger Crafted in Bali

Nengah Sudarsana

(549)

$58.49 Wholesale

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Kecak Janger, Janger Dance-Inspired Suar Wood Wall Sculpture from Bali

Subrata Family

(84)

$67.99 Wholesale

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Hibiscus, Unique Floral Wood Relief Panel from Indonesia

Seji Taram

(313)

$67.99 Wholesale

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Purification for the Universe, Balinese Melasti Ceremony Color Photograph

Rudy Adnyana

(2)

$113.04 Wholesale

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White Palace Cat, Wood Sculpture of a White Cat in Ancient Thai Dress

Nengah Sudarsana

(549)

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Wood wall relief panel, 'Cross My Heart' - Hand Carved Suar Wood Relief Panel Heart Cross

Bestseller

Cross My Heart, Hand Carved Suar Wood Relief Panel Heart Cross

Eka

(659)

$38.24 Wholesale

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Batik rayon bunting, 'Old Chakra' - Hand-Painted Batik Rayon Bunting

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Old Chakra, Hand-Painted Batik Rayon Bunting

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

$31.49 Wholesale

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Forest Pegasus, Hand-Carved Pegasus Suar Wood Relief Panel from Bali

Eka

(659)

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Flower Farm, Artisan Crafted Suar Wood Relief Panel

Made Mulyani

(225)

$114.74 Wholesale

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Mermaid Wonder, Woman and Dolphin Hand Carved Wood Wall Accent

Wayan Rendah

(614)

$161.49 Wholesale

~~$189.99~~ $161.49

Blessing Buddha, Carved Wood Relief Panel of Buddha with Brown Finish

Eka

(659)

$72.24 Wholesale

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Wood relief panel, 'Plumeria Bouquet' - Floral Wood Relief Panel

Bestseller

Plumeria Bouquet, Floral Wood Relief Panel

Seji Taram

(313)

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Naga and Garuda, Hand Carved Dragon Wall Sculpture

Seji Taram

(313)

$127.49 Wholesale

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Entwined, Suar Wood Dragon Relief Panel

Wayan Rendah

(614)

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Feeding Ducks, Hand Carved Suar Wood Wall Panel Farmer Traditional Bali

Made Mulyani

(225)

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Wood relief panel, 'Floral Faith' - Artisan Crafted Suar Wood Cross Relief Panel

Bestseller

Floral Faith, Artisan Crafted Suar Wood Cross Relief Panel

Ketut Sudantara

(13)

$79.19 Wholesale

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Condong Dancer III, Balinese Condong Dancer Color Photograph

Rudy Adnyana

(2)

$134.29 Wholesale

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Batik rayon wall hanging, 'Transcendent Chakras' - Batik Rayon Chakra-Themed Wall Hanging from Bali

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Transcendent Chakras, Batik Rayon Chakra-Themed Wall Hanging from Bali

Desak Nyoman Parwati

(679)

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Harmony Vibes, Balinese-Made Nature-Themed Suar Wood Elephant Relief Panel

Eka

(659)

$93.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $93.49

With You, Balinese-Made Hand-Carved Crocodile Wood Wall Art of Couple

Wayan Rendah

(614)

$84.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $84.99

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