You will notice that many of my products are from Lombok. It’s very likely that you don’t even know where Lombok is. Lombok is a small island close to Bali and is primarily inhabited by Sasaks who are Muslims. The art in Lombok is very different from that of Bali and Balinese art is very different from Javanese art.
Much Balinese art is religious and traditional. The wood carvings are usually painted brightly and there is much use of gold. Lombok carvings depict animals in weird positions and shapes. Humans are rarely carved and when they are, they are not depicted realistically. Often the carvings are not painted, but some are, using bright colours and little gold. #60 below is a good example of this.
Panel #38 is another example of a Lombok painted wooden carving.
All my ikat holders and hangers were purchased in Lombok. #240
Traditional Balinese masks are of people or mythological characters as is this mask of Barong , the dog-lion like creature who is considered to be the protector of mankind. #95
Most masks from Lombok have the same carved features. It is the tattoo designs [sometimes carved designs] which are original.
#100, #101
I once read, “Bali is endless elaboration and Lombok is simplicity itself.” You might not find Lombok as exciting a tourist destination
as Bali , but the wood carving is great!
Indonesia is my favourite country because each island [and there are many of them] has its own distinctive culture and its own art forms.
Donna Davidson
This heart shaped box made out of colored palm leaves from Lombok would make a very unusual, appropriate Valentine’s gift for either a man or a woman. [Item #307]
Do you frequently send flowers to your beloved on Valentine’s Day just because it is the easiest? They are very nice for a few days, but then they are gone. Why not give her [him] a marble box with beautifully carved flowers which will last much longer and be a great deal more useful in the long run? Items #298, #299 below would make wonderful permanent Valentine’s gifts. Items #294, 295, 296, 300, 301 have lovely flower patterns, also.
Representations of marriage couples are extremely important in Java and are often found in Javanese homes. Item #124 below is just such a traditional marriage couple. All the marriage couples on my website are from Java and are hand carved and hand painted wood. Take a look at #125, 126,127, 128. Items #129, 586, 587, 588, 589 are smaller carvings. All the marriage couples are suitable gifts for for Valentine’s Day, engagements, weddings, and anniversaries.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This hand carved wooden box from Lombok would be a good gift for a woman or man. – #302
Children would find these sand animals from Thailand fun – #658
Item #657 would be a perfect stocking stuffer of the cat lover on your list.
Last week a friend wanted to buy a wall hanging or panel for his wife. I showed him a number of items including one which he thought would be too elaborate for his wife’s taste. However, when he showed his wife my website, that was the one she chose. So, if you are not certain about a friend’s or relative’s taste, you can make a better choice by having them look at my website.
If these times don’t suit you, You can telephone me or e-mail me and make a separate appointment. I’m open until Dec. 24. My store is in my apartment, so if you come, be prepared for a surprise!
I hope to see you before Christmas!
