 'Barong,' relief panel
$148.95
Meticulous kepelan wood relief panel depicting the Balinese mythological figures Barong (good) and Rangda (evil), hand-carved in the workshop of master woodcarver Nyoman Karsa. The wood is artfully shaped, its grain enhanced by the golden auburn tone and stunning detail. Barong is the most popular and beloved character in Bali's spiritual culture, often depicted in folkloric dance. He is a hybrid creature, half shaggy dog and half lion, while Rangda is represented as a widowed witch, or demon queen. In this scene from the dance, Barong, Bali's mythical guardian, is surrounded by his supporters, a group of Balinese men who possess the natural ability to enter a trance state. They are armed with a kris (traditional sword). Rangda insults Barong and taunts the men - enraged and in a trance they attack her, but her powers are so strong that they are knocked out. When they come to, they are so distressed by their failure, that they try to impale themselves on their kris, however their trance state amazingly protects them from injury. This impressive relief panel is a superb example of Balinese artistry, weaving together the rich history and spirituality of this profound people. |
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 Sandstone relief replica, 'Giant Pulls Naka'
$79.95
An epic plays itself out in this mixed media sculpture by Kochapoom Premjitr. Taken from a bas relief in the Khmer palace, it shows Mara the evil giant pulling the serpent Ananta Naka. Legend holds that the devas or "angels" are Mara's legendary enemies and they fought a long, ferocious battle. To broker peace with Mara, the devas proposed to mix a liquid that would make them both immortal by mixing a million herbs in the sea. Ananta Naka was asked to coil his body around a mountain. Mara seized the head, the devas the tail, and they pulled so that the mountain caused the ocean to roll in powerful waves. This mixed the potion that the devas (good) and Mara (evil) drank to become immortal. To create the sandstone replica, Premjitr first sculpts the image in clay and covers it with liquid rubber. When it is dry, he uses it to cast a plaster mold, which he fills with a mixture of lime and sandy soil to create the figurine. After the combination settles, it becomes a solid, artificial sandstone. Premjitr applies an antique finish, and displays the piece in a frame of polished mango wood. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'King of Gods'
$308.95
Ketut Murdantha hand-carves a single piece of kepelan wood with attentive devotion as he evokes the image of Siwa accompanied by his lembu, or sacred white cow, and guarded by Barong - representing all that is good. Murdantha works the wood with admirable skill, conveying a rich diversity of textures to highlight the most minute details of this panel - such as Siwa's elaborate attire and even the patterns on the leaves. Magnificently detailed, Murdantha's portrayal of Siwa makes for a stunning addition to a refined setting. Siwa is considered to be a "king amongst Gods and Goddesses" - Siwa Nata Raja and he is usually portrayed with his lembu. Siwa's spiritual function is to destroy the negativity of the world and thus purify it. According to Balinese Hinduism, death is seen as Siwa preparing you for reincarnation - a new, and hopefully improved, life. Thus, his destructive power is viewed to be strictly spiritual and positive. But if a person's karmas (action) have been bad, Siwa will punish accordingly. This item is individually carved by hand and belongs to a special collection created by the artist. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'Big Giant'
$167.95
With his gilded bushy eyebrows and curving fangs, Yak is a fanciful presence. Pornsawan depicts the giant from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana; Yak was a soldier in king Rahwana's army and kidnapped Princess Sita. With its long teeth, the titanic ogre appears in many Thai stories; his favorite food is human flesh. Pornsawan joins rain tree wood to form a single panel. |
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 Wood wall panel, 'Rama with Sita'
$72.95
This carving by Nyoman Subrata, made of sono wood, depicts the heroic royal couple, Rama and Sita, of the Hindu epic the Ramayana. The Ramayana tells the story of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu, who eventually wins Sita in marriage. Displaced as rightful heir to his father's throne, Rama goes into exile with Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Sita is later abducted by the demon-king Ravana. Rama, with the aid of the monkey general Hanuman, searches for Sita and slays Ravana, rescuing her. Rama then regains his throne. Rumors and gossip accuse Sita of adultery during her captivity. Although innocent, she bears Rama's twin sons in exile, sheltered by the hermit Valmiki, the author of the poem. Many years pass, but eventually, Rama and Sita reunite in love. |
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 'Rama and Sita III,' wall panel
$114.95
This carved wood wall decoration depicts the blossoming love between Rama and Sita, documented in the Ramayana Hindu epic, in beautiful sono wood. The Ramayana tells the story of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu, who eventually wins Sita in marriage. Displaced as rightful heir to his father's throne, Rama goes into exile with Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Sita is later abducted by the demon-king Ravana. Rama, with the aid of the monkey general Hanuman, searches for Sita and slays Ravana, rescuing her. Rama then regains his throne. Rumors and gossip accuse Sita of adultery during her captivity. Although innocent, she bears Rama's twin sons in exile, sheltered by the hermit Valmiki, the author of the poem. Many years pass, but eventually, Rama and Sita reunite in love. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'Rama and Sita in Exile'
$139.95
This exquisitely carved panel in relief features intricate tracery and splendid attention to detail by master carver Wayan Rendah. Crafted from native suar wood, the panel portrays a scene from the ancient heroic story of the Ramayana. It is a stirring epic tale of personal loyalty and unswerving devotion, religious faith and knightly exploits. The original narrative was written in Sanskrit by Valmiki many hundreds of years ago, although versions in many languages exist as Hinduism and the Indian diaspora spread throughout the world. In this beautifully carved panel we see a scene from the Ramayana's third book, the Aranya-kanda. Rama and Sita live in exile in the forest, and we see their passionate love for each other as well as their shared profound spiritual bond. Rama expresses gratitude to his loyal and virtuous wife, who sacrificed her many comforts and willingly shared his life and hardship. Enjoy a stunning example of consummate talent and profound spiritual vision created by Wayan Rendah. |
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 'Rama and Sita,' relief panel
$57.95
A loving Rama embraces the beautiful Sita as the pair wanders, surrounded by the magnificent splendor of the Dandaka forest. Attention is drawn to their exquisitely detailed attire as well as the opulence of the forest, conjuring Hindu mysticism and Balinese local art. A superb example of the talent of Nyoman Karsa, this elaborate carving on kepelan wood will make a tasteful addition to any interior d�cor. Rama and Sita are two of the main deities in the Ramayana, known for their pious and romantic attributes. Sita symbolizes the Mother Earth while Rama is God Wishnu incarnated. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'Rama and Sita in Exile'
$267.95
An ancient tree suggests mystical presence, its twisting branches looming over Rama and Sita. Hero and heroine of the famed Ramayana epic, these characters are a beloved part of Bali�s Hindu culture. Ketut Sandi renders this image in kepelan wood, as hand-carved details accentuate the work�s spiritual depth. It is told that Rama, as the first son of his family, was the heir to the Ayodhya Kingdom. However, through treachery the second wife of his father (the king) forced her new husband to crown her own son as king, and asked him to exile Rama and his wife Sita. The couple, accompanied by Rama�s younger brother Laksmana, went to a forest called Dandaka, where the evil ogre-king Rahwana kidnaps Sita, enamored by her beauty. With the help of Hanoman, the white monkey, Rama rescues his wife, although he doubts whether she faithful to him. To prove her purity, Sita throws herself onto a fire, but comes out unscathed, demonstrating her faithfulness to her husband. This item is individually carved by hand and belongs to a special collection created by the artist. |
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 Wood wall adornment, 'Araba'
$72.95
George Nyampong carves a vision of African grace and beauty: Araba is name given to every girl born on Thursday in the Fanti tribe, located in Ghana. Nyampong creates the image from sese wood, applying Mansion and dark tan polish. The result is a wonderful tribal accent for the home. |
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 Wood wall adornment, 'Royal Drummer'
$58.95
He sits in the shade of a tree beside his home and pounds a lively cadence on the drum. Eric Darko shares West African traditions in his exquisite wood carvings. This relief sculpture is named Adeshieman Mo Ntie, "Royal People Listening" in the Akan language. It depicts the person selected by town elders to play the talking drums that carry messages. |
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 Wood comb, 'Ashanti Queen'
$64.95
Juliana Akandas carves a beautiful comb from seasoned sese wood. Adorned by an Ashanti queen and her loyal subjects, the piece shows the rank of each by their nearness to the monarch. Copper inlay enhances a sculpture that stands as a symbol of tradition. |
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 'Barong Sai,' relief panel
$152.95
A relief carving of the Balinese Barong who, despite a decidedly intimidating facade, is the most popular and beloved character in Bali's fascinating culture. The Barong Sai is hung on front doors to ward off evil spirits. Protruding features, carved in kepal wood relief by Nyoman Subrata, scare off unwelcome intruders, thus serving to maintain harmony and well being in the home. A piece rich in legend and beauty, and a unique addition to any interior. |
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 Wood panel, 'Fufu Pounders'
$59.95
Laboriously working under the shade of a tree, two Ashanti women prepare fufu, prepared of boiled cassava and plantain. One sits and turns the fufu while the other stands and pounds forcibly into mortar. When ready, it is served with all kinds of soups. Master carver Eric Danquah presents this scene of every day life with enlightening detail. |
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 Teak panel, 'Exhilarating Melodies'
$32.95
Monrudee Tossa celebrates Thailand's musical legacy with this fascinating teak panel. It features four of the most prominent instruments of northern Thailand: the flute, the sueng (four-stringed), the sor-u (similar to a fiddle), and the drum. |
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 Wood wall adornment, 'Ahoofe'
$52.95
Donning traditional outfit and coiffure, a young African beauty journeys to retrieve water - George Nyampong conveys the elegant simplicity of this enduring way of life. He names the piece Ahoofe, meaning "beauty" in the local Twi dialect - a tribe located within Ghana. The carving is sculpted from sese wood, with touches of Mansion polish. |
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 Wood wall adornments, 'Lucky Twins'
$59.95
Serene features characterize these delightful children who grace a set of spoon and fork. Hand-carved from sese wood and burnished with mansion polish, these wall sculptures depict brother and sister. Eric Darko names the set Panyin ni Kakra, names given to twins of Ghana's Akan tribe where they are thought to bring good luck. "Panyin" refers to the older, while "Kakra" denotes the younger. |
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 Wood panel, 'Sea Creature'
$54.95
Fantasy and art merge in a colorful palette that gives shape to a mysterious character. Wayan Genep conjures the sea creature as he carves the panel from albesia wood. Bright acrylic paints evoke an aquatic environment. |
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 'Barong Dance,' relief panel
$182.95
In this beautiful scene hand-carved on kepelan wood, Nyoman Karsa depicts the traditional Barong dance, which is popularly known to symbolize good and evil, opposite and yet inseparable. Barong represents the good protector while the Witch Rangda represents the evil spirits. Permeating an exquisite artistry displayed in the careful handling of minute details, this piece conveys the full force of the violent scene, allowing the viewer a glimpse into Balinese mysticism. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'The Legend of Calonarang'
$239.95
An array of mythological figures fill this kepel wood panel, masterfully hand-carved by Wayan Rendah entitled "Calonarang." Rendah succeeds in creating brilliant detail, at once dreamlike and realistic, as evidenced in the depictions of the flora and the emotive faces of the figures and people. A queen in ancient Java, Calonarang peacefully reigned as queen next to her powerful king husband. One day, after seeing false evidence, the king accused her of practicing black magic and banished her to a life of exile. As the callous king took a younger, more beautiful wife as his queen, Calonarang steadfastly maintained her innocence. Although slighted and embittered, she maintained the peace. When the king died heirless, she made a rightful claim to the throne but was promptly rejected by the powers that be. In an ironic twist, the enraged Calonarang took up black magic and using it to perfection and laid waste to the kingdom. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'Pounding Rice'
$44.95
Wearing sarongs, bare-breasted women work together pounding rice in this charming portrait. Ayu Murti captures scenes from the Balinese countryside in a kepelan wood relief panel. Tall trees provide shade as they work in the yard of their home. |
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 Wood wall adornment, 'Going for Water'
$57.95
Kneeling by the riverside, a woman prepares to fill a jar with water. She pauses momentarily beneath a shade tree in this elegant relief carving by George Nyampong. A common sight throughout West Africa, women seek far and wide to obtain a clean source of the vital, life-sustaining liquid. |
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 'Barong Dance with Pelegongang,' relief panel
$172.95
In this beautiful scene hand-carved on kepelan wood, Nyoman Karsa depicts the traditional barong dance, which is popularly known to symbolize good and evil, opposite and yet inseparable. Barong represents the good protector while the Witch Rangda represents the evil spirits. Permeating an exquisite artistry displayed in the careful handling of the pelagongang orchestra, this piece conveys the full force of the violent scene, allowing the viewer a glimpse into Balinese mysticism. |
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 'Arjuna and Srikandi,' wall panel
$167.95
Wearing jeweled crowns, Arjuna and Srikandi stand face to face. Lotus blossoms flourish as the pair is framed by the bodies of dragons, each miniscule scale detailed to perfection. Dragons are a recurrent theme in Balinese art, long since heralded for their divinity. Arjuna the archer is one of the five Pandawa brothers, heroes of the Hindu epic, Mahabarata. He is the son of Indra. Srikandi is also a skilled archer. Although a woman, Srikandi struggles on the battlefield along with the Pandawa brothers to defeat Korawa. Nyoman Subrata skillfully sculpts this exquisite wall panel of suar wood. Nyoman Subrata began learning traditional wood carving skills while still in primary school and for five years his older brother taught him different techniques of sanding and finishing. At age 16, he apprenticed himself to a group of master carvers, which included his father. Inspired by traditional Balinese Hindu sculpture and religious themes, he continues to create works of exceptional beauty and outstanding workmanship. Inspiring and lovely in any setting, this serene carving is a tribute to Bali's rich Hindu legacy. |
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 Teak relief panel, 'Forest Whisper'
$114.95
The forest is filled with whispers as she shares the secrets of her animal friends. Rustling seductively, plants shade a young girl depicted in teakwood by Jamras Thapinta. |
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 'Rama and Sita,' wall panel
$52.95
Nyoman Subrata made this elegant carving out of crocodile wood, intricately depicting the heroic royal couple of the Hindu epic 'The Ramayana': Rama and Sita. 'The Ramayana' tells the story of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu, who eventually wins Sita in marriage. Displaced as rightful heir to his father's throne, Rama goes into exile with Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Sita is later abducted by the demon-king Ravana. Rama, with the aid of the monkey general Hanuman, searches for Sita and slays Ravana, rescuing her. Rama then regains his throne. Rumors and gossip accuse Sita of adultery during her captivity. Although innocent, she bears Rama's twin sons in exile, sheltered by the hermit Valmiki, the author of the poem. Many years pass, but eventually, Rama and Sita reunite in love. |
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 'Pasar,' panel
$168.95
Master carver Nyoman Karsa skillfully captures the energy and spirit of the Balinese marketplace, "pasar," and its miracle of delights. In animated confusion, regional products and fruits are traded by passionate merchandisers under the tropical sun. Inspired by the native identity that can be found in the island's markets, this work enchants the senses and inspires the mind, making it perfect for display in any household setting. |
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 Wood wall panel, 'Mother, Child and the Moon'
$88.95
Embraced by the crescent moon, a mother gazes enraptured at her child. He returns her loving look, chuckling with a sense of love and well-being. Wayan Rendah explores one of mankind's strongest bonds, celebrating the joy each finds in the other. The bas relief sculpture is made even more beautiful by the grain of suar wood. |
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 Teak relief panel, 'Ancient Melody'
$48.95
Moving to the unheard strains of ancient melodies, a woman performs with grace. Nittaya Cherdchu depicts a beautiful dancer in the palace gardens. Clothing from a bygone era brings a touch of nostalgia to the elegant teakwood carving. |
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 Wood wall adornment, 'Young Lady'
$42.95
Wrapped up in her thoughts, a girl contemplates the future. Gordon Adu depicts her with a traditional Ghanaian kerchief on her head and beautiful bead jewelry. Carved of sese wood, this lovely wall sculpture is titled Abaayewa, or "young lady" in the Akan language. |
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 Teak relief panel, 'Forest Sprite'
$57.95
Peeking through jungle vines, a lithe wood sprite dances with angelic grace. Jamras Thapinta brings Thai legends to life in a superbly carved relief panel. He adds subtle color to the teakwood wall sculpture. |
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 Teak relief panel, 'Mythical Dancer'
$52.95
Half bird, half human, the mythical Kinnaree dances gracefully in the forest. According to Thai legend, there is a mythical forest in the Himalayas called Himaphan, where magical creatures from folk tales live. They often make their appearance in classical arts and architecture. Nittaya Cherdchu sculpts the Kinnaree in low relief on a teakwood panel. |
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 Wood panel, 'What a Love!'
$57.95
Of all forms of love, a mother's love is unsurpassable. "In the Akan language we tend to say 'odo ben ni' ('what a love'), and this applies well to the love a mother shows her child," muses Eric Darko. "What a love mothers show to their children. When the children can't sleep, the mothers will stay awake with them. If the children haven't eaten, they too will not eat. What a love that mothers have, that cannot be described!" |
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 Wood relief panel, 'Plowing the Rice Field'
$49.95
Working together, a family all contributes to the rice harvest. A water buffalo pulls the plow, pausing as the farmer's wife and daughter arrive with lunch. Tropical images take shape in kepelan wood as Ayu Murti sculpts a delightful relief panel. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'Little Giant'
$69.95
With his bushy eyebrows and curving fangs, Yak is a fanciful presence. Pornsawan depicts the giant Yak, from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. The giant was a soldier in King Rahwana's army and kidnapped Princess Sita. With its long teeth, the titanic ogre appears in many Thai stories; his favorite food is human flesh. Pornsawan joins rain tree wood to form a single panel. |
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 Wood relief panel, 'On the Way to Heaven'
$172.95
Lord Rama is depicted in this beautiful relief panel by Ketut Sandi. Rama personifies Lord Narayana or Krishna. He was born a human being to kill the demon-king Ravana. After completing the mission, Rama had to return to his own world of Vaikunta, the highest heaven. On the way, Rama was accompanied by a dog. A holy man who misinterpreted the Veda was cursed into a dog and the curse vanished at the time he met Rama on his way to heaven. |
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