Jl. Raya Mas, the Street of Masters, stretching from Ubud to the village of Mas, is a true treasure trove of Balinese craftsmanship. Here, dozens of workshops, galleries, and family ateliers are concentrated, where generations of woodcarvers create works of art. Visit at sunset when the workshops are illuminated by lamps and the sounds of gamelan music fill the air—it’s pure magic.
On the Street of Masters in Ubud, you can purchase a wide variety of handmade art pieces. These are significantly more expensive than mass-produced souvenirs. Balinese artisans have reached the highest level of mastery in woodcarving, crafting everything from small figurines to large sculptures, many of which end up in museum collections worldwide.
Balinese craftsmen primarily work with teak, a durable hardwood resistant to moisture, and sandalwood, which has a distinctive fragrance and is ideal for intricate details. The anatomical precision of their wooden sculptures is astounding—Balinese masters study human proportions and animal movements. Before beginning work, they often perform a ritual to attract inspiration. These skills are passed down through generations within families.
The process of creating a sculpture involves several stages. A charcoal sketch is drawn on the wood, followed by rough cutting with an axe. The master then begins detailing the sculpture, which, depending on size and complexity, can take several months. The eyes are carved last, as the artist seeks to "breathe life" into the sculpture. Factory-made pieces often have "empty" eyes, while those made by true masters are always meticulously crafted.
What Can You Buy on the Street of Masters in Ubud:
1. Wooden Carvings – From Miniatures to Monumental Sculptures
- Mythological figures – Gods, demons, characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
- Barong and Rangda masks – used in sacred dances.
- Animal figurines – from dragons to elephants in dynamic poses.
- Furniture and interior decor – carved doors, frames, and columns in traditional style.
2. Silver and Gold Jewelry
- Rings and pendants with motifs of lotus flowers and mythical creatures.
- Filigree earrings – exquisite handcrafted details.
- Custom orders – artisans can create jewelry based on your design.
3. Paintings and Batik
- Ubud style – landscapes of rice terraces and rural life scenes.
- Kamasan miniatures – ancient technique with gold leaf painting.
- Batik – hand-painted fabrics with geometric and nature-inspired patterns.
4. Antiques and Ritual Items
- Antique wooden chests with carvings.
- Ritual daggers (kris) with ornate handles.
- Traditional musical instruments – gamelan, bamboo flutes.
Where to Learn Woodcarving in Ubud?
1. Bali Classical Art Academy – Advanced courses (from $50/day).
2. Family Compound Classes – Learn in a carver’s home with a traditional Balinese lunch.
3. Express Workshops – Carve a mask under a master’s guidance in just 3 hours.
Notable Galleries and Workshops on Jl. Raya Mas
1. Tegun Gallery – Specializes in monumental woodcarving, featuring large carved panels (up to 4 meters tall!), statues of deities, and handmade furniture.
2. Mask Gallery – Focuses on ritual masks of Barong, Rangda, and totemic spirits. Offers Barong masks with real hair, miniature masks for decor, and antique 19th-century masks.
3. Orchid Gold & Silver – Creates silver and gold jewelry with traditional Balinese motifs. Offers rings like the "Garuda" with hand engraving, pendants with carved wood inlays, and custom designs based on your sketches.
4. Puspa Woodcarving – A fifth-generation family workshop specializing in realistic wooden figures of people and animals. Offers custom portrait carvings (completed in 2 weeks). The carver’s children often demonstrate basic techniques to visitors.
5. Nyana Art Gallery – Balinese avant-garde, blending modern geometric carving techniques. Features sculptures like "Broken Buddha," wooden optical illusions, and puzzle-like furniture with hidden patterns. Owner Ketut John is the only artist in Bali combining carving with 3D effects.
6. Hidden Bamboo Studio – Masters delicate bamboo carvings. Sells intricate lamps, dragon-shaped smoking pipes, and "singing" wind chimes (each piece produces a unique sound). All items are waterproof (bamboo is soaked in seawater for 3 months).
7. Kupu-Kupu Gallery – For admirers of erotic art in the style of Antonio Blanco. Offers sensual sandalwood couples, secret-compartment boxes, and replicas of ancient temple reliefs. Owner Desi shares the history of eroticism in Balinese carving.
How to Choose the Best Workshop?
✔ Look for the "Handmade in Mas" sign – a guarantee of authenticity.
✔ Ask for wood certifications – teak and sandalwood must be legally sourced.
✔ Avoid factory shops – they usually lack actual artisans working on-site.
