couple gifts

A Balinese couple kneels in traditional clothes with their hands pressed together in this pair of beautiful sculptures from Bali's Wayan Rendah. Known locally as Loro Blonyo, or 'the inseparable couple', the pair are usually given as a wedding gift. The artisan hand carves the sculptures from local suar wood, adding traditional patterns and motifs to their clothes and jewelry.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family delicately carves the heroic royal couple of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The epic poem tells the story of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu, who eventually wins Sita in marriage. Displaced as rightful heir to his father's throne, Rama goes into exile with Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Sita is later abducted by the demon-king Ravana. Rama, with the aid of the monkey general Hanoman, searches for Sita and slays Rawana, rescuing her. Rama then regains his throne. Rumors and gossip accuse Sita of adultery during her captivity. Although innocent, she bears Rama's twin sons in exile, sheltered by the hermit Valmiki, the author of the poem. Many years pass, but eventually, Rama and Sita reunite in love. This elegant sculpture by Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family was created in suar wood which is responsible for the richness of color that can be seen in this masterpiece.

Soft feathers rustle quietly as an owl couple explores nesting sites. Wayan Rendah lovingly sculpts the birds in a realistic study of avian behavior. Sharp talons and bright eyes promise the father's hunting prowess while the female hatches her eggs. Balinese suar wood is Rendah's medium for this extraordinary carving.