Inspired by traditional Indonesian folklore, Artisan Wayan Rendah crafts this amazing statuette from wood that tells the tale of Sang Hyan Raith. Dewi Ratih, known for her beauty and grace, is a Hindu goddess worshiped in Java and Bali. The ancient story tells of the demon Kala Rau, who had his plans to attack Vishnu thwarted by the beautiful goddess. Vishnu beheaded Kala Rau, and the head of the beast would chase Dewi Raith every full moon and swallow her whole, but the goddess would gracefully emerge from the demon's neck where his body once was. The story is believed to be the origin of lunar eclipses, and every full moon a ceremony is held in Bali to celebrate the beauty of the moon.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 13" H x 4.3" W x 3.5" D
• Weight: 1.17
• Color: White
• Material: wood
• Made in Indonesia

Story Behind the art:
Wayan Rendah's work has been featured in Homemaker's magazine.

I was born in Bali on June 17, 1973. I'm the oldest of seven children in a family consisting of four brothers and three sisters. I started to learn to sculpt at the age of eight when I was still in primary school, learning from my father how to carve traditional statues from wood. Balinese woodcarving touches me very deeply. I have learned a variety of arts in Bali, such as gamelan dance, but carving a piece of wood gives me an incomparable sensation.

At first, I sold my statues to the sellers in the art market and at small shops. After I finished school, I studied with Wayan Purna so as to have a stronger foundation to build upon because, even at a young age, I knew that what I wanted was to be able to create the ideas I had in my head. But to do this I needed more experience, and the tools and material I needed were beyond my financial reach.

My ideas were unconventional at the time — developing abstract figures inspired by the form and texture of the piece of wood I had selected, combining traditional themes with modern poses and more sensual shapes.

As time went by, I was able to bring out my ideas by selecting different types of wood and concentrating on the themes that could satisfy my creative desires. Exploring the abstract world refreshes my mind in creating new carvings. The mind and inspiration are two amazing things that encourage me to create unique works of art. Wood has certain special characteristics that I would sacrifice if I worked with another medium like stone, which is not easily broken and produces very specific effects.

I am married to a beautiful woman who helps me arrange my works to be exhibited in my small place and find new sources of inspiration.

Since working with you, I have been able to continue to express my ideas and to support my family, and my work can be seen outside Bali. I'm very grateful for this, because this is my strongest desire — to be able to create and share the ideas I have and support my family. I hope all of you who see my work enjoy it, as it gives me great pleasure when one of my statues inspires somebody — for this is the foundation of my work.

Times were so hard before I knew about you. I couldn't afford to pay the hospital for my wife giving birth to our daughter. I had to give up my motorbike, the only thing we had left, to pay the hospital and take my wife and daughter back home.

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.

Imported