artisan instruments

Anak Agung Ary's charming figurine depicts a man playing the kendang, a percussive instrument used in Balinese ceremonies. The artisan hand carves the figurine from local albesia wood, painting him in colorful hues of red, black, and gold.

In this appealingly minimalist statuette, artisan Made Pastika has depicted a Balinese woman in traditional garb, carrying a didgeridoo. The didgeridoo is a wind instrument developed by indigenous Australians perhaps over 1,000 years ago. Pastika gives a slightly whitewashed finish to the statuette for an aged patina.

A part of nature like the wind and the sea, the eternal beauty of eagles inspires Pande Made Anom. He captures the bird's fierce determination in a superb suar wood sculpture. Every detail celebrates perfection, while revealing the artist's deep understanding of living creatures.

For a whimsical take on the Loro Blonyo tradition, Javanese artisan Ariska creates this pair of figurines. Wearing traditional clothing and playing gamelan instruments, this adorable wedded couple is crafted from ceramic and painted by hand with shiny glazes. Loro Blonyo represents the inseparable union between husband and wife.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family hand carves this suar wood statuette of the Hindu deity Sarasvati, goddess of music, science and art. She is supported by a bird, wings outstretched, symbolizing the openness needed for creativity and learning. In her many hands she holds various gifts: a rebab (a musical instrument), a lontar or palm book (a symbol of knowledge), a genetri or bell (portraying science) and a lotus (the symbol of loveliness and purity).

The artisan carries on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata.

Positioned in asana, a Sanskrit word derived from the phrase "to be," Sarono's statuette is deep in meditation. The Javanese artisan hand casts the statuette from a combination of cement and lava sand before painting the woman dark brown with a timeless antique finish.