praying hands

Kneeling in a posture of prayer, a traditionally dressed Balinese woman expresses supplication. Wayan Rendah carves this beautiful sculpture by hand from smooth crocodile wood with a natural finish.

With this relief panel, Indonesian artisan Wayan Rendah pays homage to Buddha. Surrounded by nature and seated atop a giant lotus flower, Buddha meditates while holding his hands in an expression of peace. This stunning relief is diligently hand-carved from suar wood with multiple layers that add intricacy and depth.

Deep in meditation, Buddha sits on a lotus blossom. The flowing lines of his robe are echoed in the delicate line of the petals. Holding prayer beads in his right hand, the master prays while making a gesture of blessing. Nyoman Sudiana sculpts the fluid contours from rich Balinese suar wood.

Balinese artist Made Pasek Kusuma Wijay chooses to express his plea for world peace in a painting depicting a woman's prayer. "The state of the world is not fine, given the many wars, conflicts between countries and very heartbreaking human tragedies," says the artist. "Let us pray sincerely that the world situation will return to peace as we strive to live a more simple, carefree life with mutual respect and tolerance between our existing differences. Despite the conditions of the world, we always yearn for peace itself.

"Galloping across a surreal mountain landscape, a team of horses carries forward the hope of an entire society from the lofty reality of the highlands to the life of the commoner below. Riding on the back of a bird resembling the Hindu god of strength, Garuda, a faceless woman prays to the divine spirits, having passed through a period of blood and turbulence. Garuda also prays with his human-like hands as if to encourage himself to continue his mission of vigilance.

"Reflected in the grass of the mountains, the woman's prayers mirror above and below the path of the raptor, symbolizing the transverse support from across the country for her mission. A handshake arises from the woman's mind in a floral accord between two immortal parties.

"In a world plagued by conflict and the horrors of violence, the woman's prayer, the subtle handshake and the impressive flight of the god of strength prescribe peace for all of humanity. Realism cannot deliver this humane desire to reality.

"Scaled to surreal proportions, the woman's prayers make multiple appearances in increasing size, while the mighty bird soars above an entire team of horses, with various hands apparent."

Diligently carved by hand from natural bone, the image of Jesus decorates this large oval pendant necklace from Java. Rosalia Tarigan designs the necklace, featuring intricate designs in sterling silver that frame the bone. A teardrop of faceted amethyst is displayed just above the image of Jesus. The designer imagines Jesus praying in Gethsemane Garden.

Seated atop a giant lotus in a pose of prayer, the Hindu god Shiva is depicted in this reverent sculpture from Indonesia. Wayan Rendah creates this sculpture, which he diligently carves by hand from suar wood. A stunning attention to detail marks Shiva's clothing and form.

A symbol of purity in Indonesia, lotus blossoms and foliage grace this cross by Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family. She works in native suar wood, sculpting the lovely images in low relief. The artisan carries on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family hand carves this suar wood image of a cross amid a panel of flowers and foliage. This beautiful sculpture is rich with exquisite details. The artisan carries on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family carves this exquisite image by hand. She carries on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata.

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), c.563-c.483 B.C.; b. Lumbini modern-day Nepal.

It is said that a fortune-teller divined that Siddhartha Gautama would become a teacher of the world. At age 29, Siddhartha left his wealthy family in pursuit of the truth. After six years, Siddhartha had the religious epiphanies on which Buddhism is based. In short, a wholesome existence guided by the right understanding, the right thinking, the right speech, the right conduct, the right livelihood, the right effort, the right mindfulness, and the right concentration releases one from the painful cycle of life and death. Today, hundreds of millions of people follow his philosophies of compassion and detachment. This sculpture of Buddha is carved in suar wood.

Realized with beautifully flowing robes and an impressive attention to detail, Joseph and Mary share their love for baby Jesus, hand-carved into a single piece of bone. Balinese artisan Made Wardika creates this stunning nativity sculpture, which is displayed atop a base of suar wood.

Sitting serenely in meditation, Lord Ganesha clasps his hands as though in prayer. This image comes from Nengah Sudarsana, who transforms Balinese suar wood into art. The most sculpted icon of the Hindu pantheon, Ganesha's rotund belly is the kingly attribute of receiving and keeping secret information. His ears symbolize his acute hearing, and his wide forehead represents his great intelligence.

The beautiful Buddhist goddess Kwan Im folds her arms and closes her eyes in prayer. By Wayan Rendah, this exquisite portrait is carved by hand from crocodile wood. The reverent image seems to radiate sensations of peace.