Carved Balinese Dragon Boat Wood Sculpture Indonesia Art

This captivating hand-carved and painted wood sculpture from Bali, Indonesia depicts a ceremonial dragon boat — a Naga vessel — carrying four divine figures across a stylized sea. Rich in Balinese Hindu symbolism, the dragon boat is a sacred motif representing the journey between worlds, the protection of divine beings, and the power of the ocean as a spiritual force.

The serpentine dragon prow is rendered in deep green with gold and red accents, its open mouth and fierce expression a hallmark of Balinese Naga imagery. Aboard the vessel stand four figures dressed in traditional Balinese court attire — ornate gold headdresses, painted batik-patterned sarongs in blue and white, and richly decorated torsos. Each face is individually painted with expressive features: red lips, dramatic eyes, and the serene authority of divine attendants or temple guardians. A large gold disc at the center of the composition — likely a sun or gong motif — anchors the design with a bold focal point.

The hull of the boat is painted in layered greens and golds with a wave pattern along its body, seated on a simple black display base that allows the piece to stand freely on any surface. Size: 19.5" x 9.25"

This piece was personally selected by Judy during her recent buying trip to Indonesia — a striking example of Balinese narrative carving at its most colorful and detailed.

A stunning display piece for a global interior, craft studio, or textile arts space — equally at home on a shelf, mantle, or as a centrepiece in a curated collection.