amazing sculpture

A baby dragon is born. Struggling out of its shell, the mythical creature is carved in the style of the late Ketut Taram, whose wife Ketut Seji continues his carving legacy. The recurrent theme of dragon in Balinese art underscores the legendary animal's divinity in their culture.

The Hindu lord with an elephant head graces the lid of a suar wood box. By Eka, this decorative box holds a secret. Four pieces link together like a puzzle to hide personal treasures inside, guarded by the auspicious Ganesha.

Teeth bared in a menacing pose, the dragon walks purposefully on clawed feet. Dragons are a recurrent theme in Balinese art, revered for their divinity. This beautiful and realistic suar wood sculpture is presented by Ketut Seji, wife of the late Balinese artisan Ketut Taram as she continues his carving legacy.

Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha), c.563-c.483 B.C.; b. Lumbini modern-day Nepal.

It is said that a fortune-teller divined that Siddhartha Gautama would become a teacher of the world. At age 29, Siddhartha left his wealthy family in pursuit of the truth. After six years, Siddhartha had the religious epiphanies on which Buddhism is based. In short, a wholesome existence guided by the right understanding, the right thinking, the right speech, the right conduct, the right livelihood, the right effort, the right mindfulness, and the right concentration releases one from the painful cycle of life and death. Today, hundreds of millions of people follow his philosophies of compassion and detachment.

This sculpture of the Buddha's head is carved in suar wood by Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family.

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.

Buddha sits serenely in the Samadhi Mudra position, lost in contemplative meditation. This beautifully wrought wood sculpture is hand-carved by Ketut Seji, wife of the late Balinese artisan Ketut Taram, who continues his carving legacy.

The OM symbol, representing all sounds and symbolizing the essence of the universe, is nestled among frangipani blossoms in this magnificent hand carved suar wood wall relief panel by Balinese artisan Seji Taram.

Known as om or aum, omkara is the root of all sounds, emitted as a mantra during meditation. It is believed all desires will vanish, thus attaining self-realization and the highest of knowledge. This one letter symbolizes the most high in the Hindu pantheon, representing every kind of trinity such as Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, past-present-future, birth-life-death; creation-preservation-destruction, and waking-dreaming-deep sleep.

Carved by hand, beautiful heliconia blossoms flourish amid waxy foliage. Seji Taram shares Bali's lush natural beauty through his sculpture art.

A lotus blooms on a circular medallion, each detail hand carved from suar wood. By Seji Taram, the lovely relief sculpture is a constant reminder of Bali's natural beauty.

This surly character, hand-carved by Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family, is a fearsome character. He is Yama, the high judge of the netherworld, in charge of meting out punishment to souls condemned to hell. Meticulously sculpted from suar wood, its superior craftsmanship is evident in the intricate detail and glowing finish.