great gifts

From Suresh and Devender Garg, this finely detailed sculpture honors Lord Ganesha. The beloved man-elephant, Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Durga, and has the power to keep under control the occult forces that bring disaster upon humankind. He holds an axe and lash to protect the world from evil and disaster. On his third hand he holds his favorite dessert, and with his right hand he blesses the faithful. The Hindu deity appears on a lotus throne surrounded by mice, his vehicle to transcend the different plains of life as symbol of the mind's power.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family delicately carves the heroic royal couple of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The epic poem 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 Hanoman, searches for Sita and slays Rawana, 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. This elegant sculpture by Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family was created in suar wood which is responsible for the richness of color that can be seen in this masterpiece.

Carving Balinese jempinis wood, Kadek Darmini creates a portrait of the Hindu god, Shiva. He is one of the most complex gods in Hindu faith, embodying seemingly contradictory qualities. He is both destroyer and restorer; the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality; the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. Coiled around his neck, a cobra symbolizes his divine destructive power.

Working in the style of ancient Java, Suparta carves a portrait of the Hindu god, Shiva, one of the most complex gods in Hindu faith, embodying seemingly contradictory qualities. He is both destroyer and restorer; the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality; the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. Coiled around his neck, a cobra symbolizes his divine destructive power. His gesture is known as vitarka, or the "gesture of debate.

Often associated with Lakshmi, Sri is a Hindu goddess of divine beauty who is believed to bring wealth and good fortune. Balinese artisan Wayan Nuliati pays homage to Sri with this sculpture, which is lovingly hand-carved of suar wood to capture every minute detail. Sri is captured in a kneeling pose as she performs an elegant dance.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family creates this suar wood mask of Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom, education, wealth, and remover of life's obstacles. Ganesha is easily recognized by his elephant head. The artisan intricately carves the mask with great detail, from the jewels in Ganesha's crown to the folds of skin on his trunk, and stains it to showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain.

Chander Kant celebrates the great love between Lord Krishna and Radha with this admirable kadam wood sculpture. Carved by hand, the column-like sculpture portrays the beautiful Radha on one side, and handsome Krishna on the other, playing his flute. Standing on a lotus throne, the Hindu deity and his beloved appear with expressive detail.