praying hands

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."

The beautiful Bawang closes her eyes in meditation as her song of hope reaches the heavens and brings her riches. One of many of Bali's legendary characters, hers is a story of moral underpinnings as her destiny surprises her. Wayan Rendah hand-carves her visage from hibiscus wood to capture Bawang's ethereal origin with the wood's bicolor grain. Eloquently detailed, the mask features a bird pecking treasures on Bawang's head. A most vivid piece accompanied by mysticism to complement a personal collection.

A humble Bawang was envied by her sister Kesuna, who though rich, was full of lust and banished Bawang to the forest. Scared, Bawang began to pray for protection, her prayer akin to a bird's trill. Soon birds began to peck on her arms and neck leaving behind gold bracelets and necklaces. When Kesuna saw her sister's fate, she ran into the forest to seek protection, however instead of jewelry, she met only snakes and scorpions.

Hibiscus wood exhibits colors ranging from white to light gray, dark gray or even black heartwood. This natural occurrence can rarely be replicated, making each carving exceptionally unique. Please expect slight differences in wood grain color and distribution patterns. Theme and artistic quality remain the same.