Three Balinese Temple Deities (Dewi) Triptych
Polychrome Wood Carvings (Architectural or Decorative Relief Panels) • Anonymous Balinese artisan / Ubud or Mas woodcarving school
Style & Movement
Traditional Balinese Hindu-Dharma Folk Art (influenced by Majapahit aesthetic)
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved wood with original polychrome pigment, gold leaf (gilding) applications, and gesso ground
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th Century (likely c. 1960-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 120-150 cm in height per panel; vertical rectangular format (high-relief)
Subject Description
Three standing female figures, likely representing 'Dewi' (goddesses) or celestial apsaras, depicted in a 'Namaste' or 'Anjali Mudra' prayer pose. They wear elaborate traditional Balinese crowns (gelung), wing-like ear ornaments, and ceremonial sarongs. The central figure is slightly larger, suggesting a focal point or a specific higher deity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; the pieces show significant signs of weathering and aging consistent with outdoor display or humid environments.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD for the set of three
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced as architectural salvage or tourist trade exports from Bali, Indonesia; currently located in a domestic utility/garage setting in the West.
Art Historical Significance
While these are likely 20th-century decorative pieces rather than ancient temple relics, they represent the preservation of the Balinese Hindu sculptural tradition and the late 20th-century global interest in Southeast Asian craftsmanship.
Notable Features
Hand-carved details in the ornate headdresses; vestiges of teal and red pigment typical of Indonesian 'prada' work; the serene, stylized facial expressions characteristic of Balinese iconography.
Condition Issues
Extensive pigment loss (flaking paint), visible cracks in the wood grain (desiccation), oxidation of the gilding, and surface grime. The central figure shows significant facial paint loss revealing the light wood underneath.
Conservation Recommendations
Stabilization of flaking paint with a consolidant; professional cleaning; relocation to a climate-controlled interior to prevent further expansion/contraction of the wood; avoid direct sunlight.