Vogel, aangeboden aan dr. W. Drees bij zijn bezoek aan Java 1948

This sculpture of a bird, offered to Dr. W. Drees upon his visit to Java, was carved by an anonymous artist. It’s amazing how a solid, almost weighty material like ivory can be transformed into something so seemingly light. The bird’s elongated neck arches upward, suggesting a sense of aspiration or curiosity. Look closely, and you’ll notice the delicate, etched patterns that adorn its body. These markings, subtle and intricate, give the sculpture an added layer of depth. It’s incredible to think of the care and precision required to create them. They remind me of Cy Twombly's mark making, but the intention is very different, more about care and less about emotional expression. I’m drawn to the way the artist has captured the essence of the bird with such simplicity. It’s as if they’ve distilled the very idea of "birdness" into this elegant form. In that way it reminds me of some of Brancusi's sculptures too. It's like a conversation across cultures and time.