The Sweetest Nut of a Bear

It's hard to believe that this bear wasn't modeled after a frolicking person: it playfully reclines on its back, with all four limbs curled around it. So deftly carved from taqua nut, even down to the quizzical expression on its face, perhaps wondering how long it has to hold this pose for the artist who created it. These rainforest seeds or nuts are extremely dense and are used world round as a renewable replacement for ivory carving. We're happy to bring you exquisite examples of such pieces from Indonesia: nature's beauty enhanced by human artistry. Hand carved in the village of Tampaksiring, Bali.

Approximately 1.25" L x 2.25" W