Balinese large carved wood sculpture of Garuda This impressive Balinese polychrome wood sculpture depicts Garuda, the mythical bird-like creature and divine mount of the god Vishnu in Hindu-Buddhist tradition. The figure is characterized by its dynamic, crouched stance atop a carved base, featuring a ferocious avian face with bulging eyes, sharp talons, and a prominent beak. A hallmark of Balinese craftsmanship, the sculpture showcases an extraordinary level of detail in the "flaming" tiered wings and the elaborate, multi-colored headdress. The piece is finished in a vibrant traditional palette of gold, red, green, and black, with the lower body draped in a saput poleng—the iconic black-and-white checkered cloth of Bali that symbolizes the balance of opposites in the universe. Such statues are often used as protective architectural elements or centerpiece decorative arts, embodying the spiritual power and intricate woodcarving heritage of the island. height: 32.5 inches $200-300
