cool masks

A contemplative Buddha takes on the face of nature in this mesmerizing mask by Gung Gus. Detailed with vivid artistry, the mask is carved of seasoned crocodile wood and painted by hand. "I crafted this with love to share Buddha's peace," Gus confides.

A young dancer is crowned with frangipani blossoms, her elaborate headdress part of the Legong dance costume. Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family sculpts this extraordinary mask from crocodile wood and paints it by hand with vivid detail. The Legong probably originated in the 19th century as royal entertainment, and it is said that the prince of Sukwati fell ill and had a vivid dream in which two maidens danced to gamelan music. When he recovered, he arranged for such dances to be performed in reality.

A hibiscus wood canvas and vivid combination of colors on this forest-motif painted mask will bring a bit of Balinese splendor to your home or office. Artisan Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya of Bali hand-carves and hand-paints each piece using a combination of red, blue, white, green, and black. The painted design features a pair of parrots and a robin sitting in the trees. The woman's mysterious smile gives an aura of peace and happiness. This gorgeous mask is displayed on a keruing wood stand for placement on a shelf or table.

Butterflies appear amid tropical foliage on the face of the moon itself. Carved and painted by hand, this delightful mask by Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya depicts the crescent moon. The Balinese artisan works in hibiscus wood to create the smiling moon face.

Celebrating the royalty of Indonesia, Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family creates this depiction of a Balinese woman. Carved from suar wood, she wears an ornate headdress that is painted by hand with white frangipani flowers and gold-tone accents. This wall sculpture is named Tapel Kraton, meaning "royal woman" in Balinese.

The artisan carries on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata.

In tones of blue and multicolor, the face of a prince is decorated with luscious floral motifs. Javanese artisan Omi Setiawan crafts this mask from albesia wood, decorated using the batik method, where a wax resist is painted onto the surface before colorful dyes are applied. Traditional kawung motifs are visible on the mask's forehead, nose, and cheeks.