Panel - Wood - Garuda Wisnu, with Bedawang

Balinese finely carved wooden panel depicting Garuda Wisnu, with Bedawang Nala and Naga motifs.

An important example of traditional Balinese carving, Indonesia, entirely handmade on a single tropical wood plank. The panel features a complex mythological composition executed both in relief and through delicate openwork, with numerous pierced openings that lend lightness to the structure.

In the center is depicted Garuda, the mythical being half man and half bird, recognizable by the large beak, prominent eyes, wings and the characteristic anthropomorphic anatomy. Garuda is the vahana, the sacred vehicle of the god Wisnu (Vishnu), represented in the composition with a human appearance and rich ornaments.

The scene continues toward the lower part with Bedawang Nala, the great cosmic turtle of Balinese tradition, associated with the Naga. The combined presence of Garuda, Wisnu, Bedawang Nala and Naga constitutes an important iconography of Hindu-Balinese cosmology. Bedawang Nala is traditionally depicted as a cosmic creature resembling a gigantic turtle, often accompanied by one or two Naga snakes.

The subject Garuda Wisnu is deeply rooted in Bali’s artistic culture. Exemplars preserved in major international museum collections document the long tradition of Vishnu representation on his vehicle Garuda in Balinese wood sculpture.

Particularly interesting is the extraordinary amount of detail concentrated in a thickness of only 1.6 cm.

The relief of the figures is very pronounced, while the upper and lateral parts have been carefully pierced, creating an open decoration consisting of vegetal scrolls, floral motifs, and ornamental shapes typical of Balinese art.

The vegetal decoration also features numerous forms attributable to the Balinese ornament repertoire, characterized by elaborate scrolls and motifs derived from patra punggel, one of the main ornament repertoires of Bali’s decorative tradition.

The panel measures 51 × 31 × 1.6 cm and weighs about 710 grams.

The surface preserves a beautiful natural brownish tone, with color variations due to the workmanship, wood aging, and long-term conservation.

The work is attributed to the second half of the 20th century, probably the middle of the century, while drawing on an iconography much older than the Hindu-Balinese tradition.

Good overall condition for age and type.
Normal signs of conservation and time are present. A slight longitudinal crack in the upper left part is noted, visible in the photographs, compatible with the natural movement of the wood over time. No significant structural damage is visible.

Photographs are an integral part of the description.

Specifications
• Culture: Balinese / Hindu Balinese
• Origin: Bali, Indonesia
• Traditional name: Garuda Wisnu
• Iconography: Garuda, Wisnu, Bedawang Nala and Naga
• Material: tropical wood
• Technique: manual carving, relief and openwork
• Dimensions: 51 × 31 × 1.6 cm
• Weight: 710 g
• Period: second half of the 20th century, probably mid-century
• Function: decorative panel / Hindu-Balinese religious-inspired ornamental element.

Provenance: From Indian antique dealers such as Mudit International of New Delhi or specialized antique markets. > Galleria Arkadia > Arkana Gallery > Putignano Adriano private collection

Photos are part of the description.

Very quickly well packaged with polystyrene and/or bubble wrap, and shipped with tracking and insurance with top shipping agencies.
The shipping cost includes shipment tracking, packing material, and insurance of the work.
Due to customs duties and procedures, we do not ship to the USA.
Corsica and other non-Italian European islands to be agreed.