Traditional Balinese woodcarving has always been of religious subjects. In the 1930’s though a new type of carving developed in Mas near Ubud catering to the tourist market. Today, the best Balinese carving galleries are still there.
One of the oldest is the Ida Bagus Njana, Ida Bagus Tilem Gallery where you will still be able to see a number of carvings from the earlier period – these are not for sale. Quality is good and prices are sky high. If you search among a number of the less famous galleries in the area, you might be able to find a piece by the same carver for a fraction of what it would cost you in an expensive gallery.
Remember too that if you come with a guide, most galleries will pay him a significant commission on your purchases. Another important area for woodcarving is on the road up to Sebatu. This is the region where most of the Antik Baru or new antiques are made. There are sometimes genuine old carvings to be found but not in these villages.
Dirt and brown shoe polish are cheap and if you want it to look beat up, they will be happy to oblige. The important thing is that you find something you like for a price you can afford, There ar
e also numerous other Balinese standards like wooden banana trees, flowers and the type of things that might often be found at cheaper prices, when they are on sale at Cost Plus !
Remember to bargain! Also check out the enormous Garuda statues made in this area ever since the first President of Indonesia starting giving them away to foreign dignitaries as gifts.
Bali Accommodatin hotels, booking online hotels in bali
One of the oldest is the Ida Bagus Njana, Ida Bagus Tilem Gallery where you will still be able to see a number of carvings from the earlier period – these are not for sale. Quality is good and prices are sky high. If you search among a number of the less famous galleries in the area, you might be able to find a piece by the same carver for a fraction of what it would cost you in an expensive gallery.
Remember too that if you come with a guide, most galleries will pay him a significant commission on your purchases. Another important area for woodcarving is on the road up to Sebatu. This is the region where most of the Antik Baru or new antiques are made. There are sometimes genuine old carvings to be found but not in these villages.
Dirt and brown shoe polish are cheap and if you want it to look beat up, they will be happy to oblige. The important thing is that you find something you like for a price you can afford, There ar
e also numerous other Balinese standards like wooden banana trees, flowers and the type of things that might often be found at cheaper prices, when they are on sale at Cost Plus !Remember to bargain! Also check out the enormous Garuda statues made in this area ever since the first President of Indonesia starting giving them away to foreign dignitaries as gifts.
Bali Accommodatin hotels, booking online hotels in bali