Signed 1950s Monumental Mid-Century Balinese Art Deco Mermaid Hardwood Sculpture by a.a. Fatimah

Details

Description

Category:
Abstract Figurative and Fashion

Estimated Era:
Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s - 1960s)

Materials:
Solid Old-Growth Seasoned Balinese Hardwood

Condition:
… Read more Category:
Abstract Figurative and Fashion

Estimated Era:
Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s - 1960s)

Materials:
Solid Old-Growth Seasoned Balinese Hardwood

Condition:
Pristine (Excellent vintage condition. The heavy, solid hardwood structure is entirely free of any modern drying checks, splits, or structural cracks. The carving is completely flawless throughout, displaying a perfectly preserved, deep satin-matte luster that accentuates the tight natural geometry of the heartwood.)

Dimensions:
Height: 14.0 in. | Width: 7.0 in. | Depth: 4.0 in.

Item Description:
An absolute museum-grade masterpiece of mid-century Balinese modernism, this monumental 14-inch solid hardwood sculpture is an exemplary work by the highly celebrated master artisan Anak Agung Gede Fatimah. Originating from the elite post-war carving renaissance of Mas Village (circa 1950s–1960s), this dynamic sculpture portrays a classical mythological mermaid in a posture of elegant, seated poise. The work stands as a premier example of Fatimah’s signature style, beautifully translating traditional Balinese folklore into a sleek, streamlined Art Deco silhouette.
The technical execution of the piece represents an absolute tour de force of narrative modeling. Hand-chiseled from a single, exceptionally dense cross-section of old-growth tropical heartwood, the sculpture features a masterfully rendered, traditional piscine (fish-like) tail intricately layered with hundreds of crisp, geometric scales. The fluid, sweeping curves of her torso contrast flawlessly against the heavily detailed, multi-layered textures of the stylized nautilus shell balanced in her hands and the deep, undulating waves of her long hair cascading down her back.
The underside base plate features a crisp, authenticated hand-gouged signature reading "A.A. FATIMAH / BALI," displaying the genuine material oxidation and deep tool scallops characteristic of an authentic mid-century masterwork. Sourced from a prominent private collection and standing in completely flawless condition with zero wood checks, breaks, or modern fills, this definitive flagship anchor commands immense visual authority for luxury residential entries, advanced ethnographic galleries, or elite architectural design staging. See less