Medium: Wood

This exquisite hand-carved wooden figurine captures the essence of traditional Balinese dance with precision and grace. Hailing from the culturally rich island of Bali, Indonesia, the sculpture is a testament to the island’s celebrated woodcarving heritage, particularly rooted in the artisan communities of Ubud.

The dancer is frozen mid-motion in a poised, expressive posture characteristic of Legong, one of Bali’s most refined classical dance forms. Her arched back, angled elbows, and elegantly extended limbs reflect the stylized vocabulary of the choreography, which emphasizes sharp gestures paired with serene facial expressions.

This detailed figurine showcases a traditional tight-fitting costume that follows the natural curve of the body, adorned with elaborate carvings of sashes and floral motifs. A wide waistband, rich with ornamental patterns, cascades into a layered skirt rendered in delicate relief. She holds a fan in one hand, an essential prop in Balinese dance used to punctuate gestures and express subtle emotional shifts. The fan is detailed, radiating outward in carved pleats that mirror the natural movement of fabric in performance.

Crowning the dancer is a tall, tiered headpiece, embellished with floral elements and stylish feathers. This headdress is emblematic of Balinese temple dancers, who often wear elaborate crowns made from gold-colored materials or fresh flowers during rituals.

Handcrafted from a single piece of locally sourced wood, the sculpture is polished to a warm, satiny finish, enhancing the grain and lending it a sense of timeless elegance. The base is adorned with a traditional motif, grounding the figure in cultural authenticity.

This piece is more than a decorative object; it is a visual archive of Balinese ritual and performance, embodying centuries of artistic tradition, spiritual storytelling, and master craftsmanship. Whether displayed as a collector’s item or as an homage to Southeast Asian culture, this figurine speaks to the enduring beauty of movement captured in still form.

SIZE: A’’ W x A” H x A” L