Novica Handmade Royal Pagoda Benjarong Porcelain Mug

The jungles of Southeast Asia are the home of a cute primate known for its tender nature. The slow loris spends the day sleeping, searching for food during the calm nights of its tropical habitat. However, the illegal wildlife trade has endangered the species, motivating Balinese artisans to hand-carve this precious sculpture to raise awareness. The artwork, presented by Made Wirata, is made from suar wood and features a little slow loris strongly embracing a tree as a symbol of their current situation.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 6" H x 5.75" W x 3.7" D
• Weight: 1.47
• Color: Brown
• Material: Suar wood
• Made in Indonesia

Story Behind the art:
Latest Update

"I joined Novica in 2001, introduced by a friend. Since then, I have succeeded step by step in achieving my dreams. Made a house for my little family, sent the kids to school and bought a motorbike.

"Before joining Novica I worked at home making sculptures. Then I marketed my work in art shops around my house. However, the results were insufficient to meet my family's needs, because of uncertain sales and unstable financial conditions. Thanks to Novica, my products are seen by customers and my sales are increasing yearly. Joining Novica 20 years ago was my best decision. How can a small sculptor like me receive a regular income, when usually a sculptor's life is swayed by uncertainty Now I can even set aside my income little by little to realize the simple house my family dreams of.

"Since joining Novica I have been able to employ people around me and my close friends. I actively produce new designs and maintain production by employing people around me. I have helped the economy of the people around me, both friends and neighbors. Their economic dependence on my sales now makes me even more productive and creative in my work. They are not only friends to me, but also partners in achieving my success with Novica.

"During my time at Novica, I have never won an award but I have often been in the top 10 artisans. I am very grateful for that. Since joining Novica, my sales have increased every year. I want to say thank you to Novica for helping me market my crafts. Not only for the income I receive, but for the positive reviews left by customers who enjoy my work -- this also becomes my enthusiasm and motivation to be more productive. I am also grateful for Novica's guidance in managing my business. I hope that Novica can continue providing microcredit to artisans like me, helping us with capital to produce more inventory and to create new designs."

Original Artist Story

Born on February 21st, 1978 in Gianyar, Made Wirata is a carver of natural talent. Gianyar is renowned producing famous Balinese artist and artisans, and Wirata's family has been dedicated to this art for generations.

Wirata first learned to carve from his father, who specialized in a particular style of carving locally known as sri bunga as well as keris - a traditional dagger. When he finished elementary school, he apprenticed with his uncle, who taught him to carve traditional images. In 1993, his interest in art lead him to learn from a cousin how the carving of modern statuettes. Wirata began to sell his work in order to sustain his studies and now several galleries in Bali are collecting his creations.

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

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