Carved Ostrich Egg
Because Balinese egg carvers typically carved cassowary eggs, this ostrich egg—not their normal medium—was likely commissioned as a souvenir for the Euro-American tourist market. The artisan took inspiration for its intricate design from the work of modern Balinese artist I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (1862–1978), whose expressive narrative style can be seen across Bali in paintings, drawings, and temple carvings. The story delicately carved is from the Kakawin Sutasoma, a long narrative poem written in Old Javanese by Mpu Tantular in the 14th century.
Ostrich egg
5 3/4 in. (14.61 cm)
Diam.: 4 7/8 in.
Gift of Arthur L. Loveless
62.98
