religious art

Thotsapon paints this colorful and intriguing image of Buddha bringing us peace from Thailand. Within the outline of the Buddha, Thotsapon depicts lotuses, symbols of peacefulness, and symbols from the zodiac in vivid colors. This unique piece signed by the artist is an awe-inspiring work of art.

Flaming hearts dance gracefully in a stunning pair of dangle earrings directly from Mexico. Crafted by the Pacheco Gold and Silversmiths Association, this sterling silver design is strongly associated with religious themes, as the doves that rest on top of the accessories symbolize peace with God.

This elabourate tapestry, painstakingly woven entirely by hand by Javier Landa in Peru, is the representation of the birth of Jesus, surrounded by peace doves and helping hands. The artist explains that he created this tapestry for the World Peace Project, "To communicate an image of unity and strength, for a new hope. Jesus's message of peace is clear. It is a hopeful horizon, in which human beings soften our hearts to welcome new times of peace."

Landa crafts the original tapestry from alpaca blend yarns on a cotton warp.

The artist explains that this peace painting is inspired by the notion of Krishna as the god of compassion, tenderness and love, who teaches about life, love, happiness, dharma, liberation, devotion, yoga, meditation and truth.

The kadamba tree is inextricably linked to the Hindu god Krishna's iconography, exquisitely depicted in this folk painting by Indian artist Bharti Dayal.

This stunning work of art is created in classic Madhubani style by applying acrylic paint and vegetable dyes on handmade paper. "Madhubani paintings are in fact a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace -- the quest of all beings," the artist adds.

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."

Ketut Seji, wife of the late Balinese artisan Ketut Taram, preserves her husband's legacy in this carving of a seated Buddha. Buddha's head rests upon his hands, and a faint smile plays across his lips. The serene sculpture is carved and finished by hand, and signed by Ketut Seji.

[The primary image featured here shows the backside of this unique World Peace Project pendant; see the front view in the alternative photos, where the pendant symbolizes a peaceful, simple, clean earth.] "The centre of this pendant symbolizes the world, surrounded by a chain that symbolizes the world's peoples holding on to each other and being connected. On the reverse side, diverse religious symbols speak to the need for inclusion, regardless of identifiers," the artist explains.

"If humans want to live peacefully and sustainably, world peace is essential," explains artisan Nyoman Ariawan. "To create a peaceful world, all countries must work together to make advancements that benefit all humans, regardless of their origin. I hope that all countries respect each other and maintain world peace. Global problems can be solved through dialogue and respect for applicable international law, without war.

"To attain peace, humanity needs to show its heart," says the artisan, who crafts this sterling silver pendant necklace in Denpasar, incorporating traditional Balinese motifs throughout the design, with a Celtic pattern on the Borobudur chain that symbolizes the close human bond, and a heart-shaped pendant with a hammered finish, that on the reverse side incorporates the symbology of diverse religions, all beating together in this heart, living in harmony side-by-side-among -- symbols of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, Shinto, and Sikhism, which spread in the world but here live together in peace.