praying hands

Ryan Chappell aims his lens at hands in prayer holding japa mala rosary beads. According to Buddhist practices, 100 mantras are to be said during meditation, plus eight more to compensate for past errors. The monks at Bongeunsa Temple in Seul, South Korea, also hold fans for the long ceremonies. "They were celebrating Buddha's birthday with prayers and worship," explains Chappell. He prints the signed photograph on Fujicolor crystal archive paper. Arrives in a card paper mat board.

Eyes closed in prayer, Lord Buddha graces the cover of this handmade journal from Asha Prabha. The journal features 48 unlined pages of handcrafted paper, bound with khaki-colored cotton. Keep it handy for recording your dreams, thoughts, or even just your grocery list.

Like a medallion from an ancient Hindu temple, Om appears on a wall sculpture by Thai artisan Somyot Sawasdee. He crafts the round wall panel by hand with recycled paper and cement, and finishes it with green and gold paint, creating the illusion of an aged bronze piece. The plaque features a hook on the back for hanging.

In Hindu tradition, Om (also Ohm or Aum) is a sacred incantation to be intoned at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas, as well as prior to any prayer or mantra.

A beautiful image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, is set over pinewood with the decoupage technique for a majestic cross that is a powerful symbol of faith and devotion. With exquisite floral and angel motifs, this decorative accent is crafted by hand from a design by artisan Ana Maria Gonzalez and comes with an iron loop hanger to display on the wall.