Balinese Raksasa Demon Figure

Carved Wooden Figure of a Raksasa Demon

Bali, Indonesia

circa 1920

height: 20cm

This fine Balinese wood carving of a Raksasa demon figure dates to around 1920. The figure has a superbly rendered, flowing mane, bulging eyes, fangs, and patterned waist cloths.

It has a smooth, honeyed patina suggestive of the dating that we have given to the piece.

Wood carvings such as this example were done in the early part of the twentieth century at the encouragement of various expatriate European painters and adventurers who had made Bali their home and who wanted local craftsmen to keep their skills alive. The painters Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet were among these figures.

This piece very much has a traditional form and style, whereas wood carving undertaken in the 1930s and onwards took on a more elongated and smooth form, seemingly influenced by Art Nouveau styles of Western Europe.

The carving is in very fine condition and is without chips, cracks or repairs.

References

Ramseyer, U., The Art and Culture of Bali, Oxford University Press, 1977.

Reichle, N. (ed.), Bali: Art, Ritual & Performance, Asian Art Museum, 2010.

Provenance

Channel Islands, UK.

Inventory no.: 1550

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