Vintage Balinese Hand Carved Wooden Naga Dragon Incense Burner Sculpture 31.5cm

A wonderfully dramatic vintage hand-carved wooden dragon sculpture, believed to be Balinese / Indonesian in origin.

Standing approximately 31.5 cm tall, this substantial decorative carving features an extraordinary arrangement of intertwined Naga-style dragons, intricately worked with scales, sweeping fins, horns, claws and expressive open-mouthed faces.

The sculpture incorporates a hollow rounded chamber with several openings, suggesting that it was originally designed as an incense or smoking dragon carving, allowing incense smoke to travel through the sculpture and emerge through openings in the design.

The relatively light weight for its size is consistent with the lightweight timbers traditionally used for Indonesian decorative carving, such as albesia. The wood has been given a warm brown finish which beautifully emphasises the deeply carved detail.

A particularly striking piece with enormous character, equally appealing as an incense burner or simply displayed as a sculptural piece of Balinese-inspired interior décor.

Approximate dimensions:
Height: 31.5 cm
Depth: 19.5 cm
Width: 11 cm
Weight: 1,168 g

Condition:
Vintage condition with surface wear, variations in colour and minor marks consistent with age and previous display. The intricacy of the carving means there are numerous projecting points, horns and teeth; please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.

No maker’s mark or signature has been identified.

The attribution to Bali / Indonesia and its function as an incense burner are based on the style, construction and form rather than a maker’s label or documented provenance.

A fabulous statement piece for a collector of dragons, Asian decorative art, Balinese carving or unusual vintage interiors.