Balinese Hand Carved Wooden Ashtray Barong Figure Indonesia c. 1930

Hand-carved tropical wood ashtray from Bali, Indonesia. The object features a detailed representation of Barong, the king of spirits and symbol of protection in Balinese mythology.

History of the object: Wood carving is one of the oldest artisanal traditions in Bali. During the 1930s, Balinese art underwent a transition toward functional objects intended for export and collecting, maintaining deep carving techniques and traditional symbolism under the influence of local artistic movements.

Features and details:
- Period: 1930s
- Technique / Style: Manual carving in solid wood
- Size: Height: 4 cm (1.6 inches); Width: 14 cm (5.5 inches); Depth: 11.5 cm (4.5 inches)
- Weight: 190 g (6.7 oz)
- Material: Wood
- Condition: Optimal state of conservation with natural patina according to its age. The surface shows the natural grain of the wood and sharp carving details.

Use and value: Object of interest for collectors of Indonesian art, for interior decoration with an ethnic theme, or as a historical piece of colonial craftsmanship from the early 20th century.