From The Ring of Fire

we have found the stone carvings of Hindu gods and daily life from Bali and Java to be completely enchanting. Our friends Jerry and Ketut have a really beautiful collection and here are a few pictures from their store in Berkeley (1732 University) that we really liked.


Some are new, and some are actually quite old, from temples whose carvings are being refreshed. Our friend Jerry has so much knowledge of these artworks that we hope he will update this site with his insights: who are the deities, what types of stone, why he chose each one, maybe even a memory of where it came from.

Ketut and Jerry's picks

Protective warriors, lions, demons, and angels

In Bali, households have gates designed to confuse entry and on each side of a gate there is often a warrior. The lion or singha is a protector, other animals can be seen, and sometimes there are gentler female type spirits

Wooden and stone doorways and bas reliefs

Wooden carvings, like doors:





Bas reliefs - some in smooth white volcanic 'para' and some in rough javanese green volcanic rock

Water goddesses and spirits; water features

Buddhas and large stone heads; large goddesses like Tara

Older and more startling pieces

older carvings - many times, a village will decide a local temple needs to be refreshed, some of the older carvings and statues make their way to Ubud, here are some nice examples. Many times the style is fiercer, the figures more alien, less cute, no less appealing