Origin of Lunar Eclipse — Hand Carved Balinese Mythological Panel
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The Legend of Kala Rahu
In Balinese cosmology, every lunar eclipse is explained by the myth of Kala Rahu — a demon who was beheaded by Wisnu as punishment for drinking the elixir of immortality, but who nonetheless became immortal from the waist up. In revenge, Rahu periodically swallows the moon, creating the eclipse. Villagers respond by making noise to force Rahu to release the moon — a custom that continues in Bali today.
This relief captures the mythological moment of confrontation: Rahu's enormous head lunging toward the disc of the moon, the divine intervention that separates him, and the cosmic scale of the drama above the mortal world. The carver has rendered Rahu with the ferocious expressiveness typical of Balinese demon iconography — an extreme figure that paradoxically carries a poetic grandeur.
Craftsmanship & Creation
This panel is carved from a single block of Magnolia Champaca wood — a species native to Indonesia prized by carvers for its fine, even grain and warm golden tone that deepens with age. Using traditional chisels and gouges, a master artisan dedicates approximately 3–4 weeks of focused work to bring this scene to life. No CNC machines. No power tools for detail work. Every line, curve, and texture is the direct result of a human hand guiding a blade through wood.
The depth of relief on this panel is approximately 70mm (2.7 inches), which is exceptional for a piece of this size. This depth creates dramatic shadow play that shifts throughout the day as natural light moves across the surface — transforming the panel into a living artwork that changes with the hours.
Where This Piece Belongs
A remarkable conversation piece for cultural collectors, lovers of mythology, and admirers of narrative carving. Particularly suited to libraries, studies, and living rooms where it will prompt discovery and discussion.
Material:
Magnolia Champaca Wood.
Dimension:
12.9" W x 19.6" H x 2.7" D Inches ( 330mm x 500mm x 70mm )
Other Details:
1. Handmade product.
This is a handmade / hand-carved art product, a slight differences and imperfection might occur (color, grain, size and/or detail). Please consider before buying.
2. Production Time
This hand carved relief panel is made by order. Each pieces is made with passion and special effort. It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for production time.
Return & refund policy
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Contact me within
7 days of delivery
Ship items back within
14 days of delivery
Conditions of return
To start a return, you can contact us through live chat. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as for instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. You will be responsible for return shipping fee.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You will also need to pay the return shipping cost. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Minor imperfections and differences due to product's handmade nature
- A gift card and sale item
Please note that our product is handmade. Handmade items will not be as perfect as factory-made items. Minor imperfections, differences, and handprints might occur. Please consider this before buying.
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Refund will be the value of goods only ( original payment deducted by PayPal, packing and handling fee, delivery fee (also charged for free shipping items), and duty fees ) Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too. Due to the handmade nature of our product, based on each item, we have the absolute right to determine the fee deduction for refunds.
Shipping policy
Thank you for visiting and shopping at Meta Wood. The following are the terms and conditions that constitute our Shipping Policy.
International Shipping Policy
🕤 Shipment processing time
Because our products are handmade with love and passion, all orders are processed within 1-2 weeks. If we do have stocks on hand, we will ship earlier. Orders are not shipped or delivered on weekends or holidays.
If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by a few days. Please allow additional days in transit for delivery. If there will be a significant delay in the shipment of your order, we will contact you via email or telephone.
Shipping time will be ranged from 7-14 days. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any problems with your package tracking.
During the COVID situation, delivery delays can occasionally occur.