sculptures of hands

Pirot Gitikoon shares Thai traditions with this hand-carved replica of a Buddhist temple, intended as a guardian spirit house or san phra poom. According to custom, when people finish building a house they include a spirit house to protect the family from evil spirits. Gitikoon carves this house by hand from quality teak wood. The gables feature eight heads shaped like Naga, the protective dragon. The bargeboards replicate Naga's scales, as well as swan tails. The swan is a mystical being from the Himaphan forest. A small pagoda adorns the rooftop; it is crowned with a lotus blossom.

Fascinated by Thailand's ancestral buildings, Pirot Gitikoon carves a faithful replica of a Buddhist temple, known as a vihara.. Carved of teak wood by hand, the miniature temple is intended to become a spirit house. According to custom, when people finish building their houses they create a san phra poom, or guardian spirit house. A Buddhist ceremony takes place to invite a protective spirit to inhabit the small house. It is believed it will bring luck, happiness, success and security against mean spirits or enemies who might threaten the family or their home.

This fine statuette in suar wood by Wayan Rendah depicts a recumbent flute player wearing traditional dancer garb. Interestingly, this work combines the relaxed disposition of a Balinese farmer with the flair for performance of an experienced dancer.

The incredible carving skill of Bali's Ketut Sandi is showcased in this original cempaka wood relief panel. Two elephant couples stroll through the forest, enjoying the shade of the ginkgo trees above as well as each other's company. The three-dimensional panel is magnificently detailed down to the last leaf, resulting in a distinctly elegant piece of wall art for your home.

In this incredibly detailed wood relief panel from Bali's Ketut Sandi, the four-armed Hindu goddess Saraswati reigns supreme. The beautifully hand-carved wall sculpture depicts Saraswati surrounded by tropical flora, and features a number of symbolic items. The wood's rich grain is showcased by the light natural finish.

The four arms of Saraswati denote Her omnipresence and omnipotence. The two front arms indicate Her activity in the physical world, and the two back arms signify her presence in the spiritual world. A book in the rear left hand signifies that knowledge acquired must be used with love and kindness, to promote prosperity of mankind.A rosary in the rear right hand (representing ego) conveys that true knowledge, acquired with love and devotion, melts the ego and results in liberation (moksha) of the seeker from bondage to the physical world.The Goddess is shown playing a musical instrument that is held in her front hands, which represents the mind and intellect. Saraswati uses the swan as Her vehicle, indicating that one must acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the good of mankind.

This statue is of Ganesha, the elephant-like son of the god Siwa, is hand carved by Wayan Rendah from suar wood. In the Hindu religion, Ganesha is the god of intelligence and the "Remover of Obstacles." If one is trying to attain a goal but many hurdles and challenges stand in the way, the Balinese believe that by making an offering to Ganesha, they can gain assistance in achieving their dreams.

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.

Jaifah Aksornsri designs cheerful goldfish that appear like antique Thai sculptures. Each fish is carved by hand of rain tree wood with admirable detail.

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.

Sitting on a splendid throne, Lord Ganesha blesses those who are faithful. He is also known as Vinayak ("Knowledgeable") or Vighneshwer ("God to Remove Obstacles"). Regarded as a benevolent deity, he is always called upon to bless any auspicious event. From Suresh and Devender Garg, this fantastic sculpture is hand-carved from kadam wood with rich detail and vivid artistry.

Ganesha is the son of the mighty god Siwa and the Goddess Parwati. Legend tells that while pregnant, a powerful demon appeared wanting to destroy heaven. The only thing that could destroy the demon and prevent the destruction of heaven was a demi-god who is neither animal nor human, but rather a combination of the two. The group of gods thus brought an elephant before Parwati, who had just given birth. She cast a powerful spell causing her newborn baby to take on characteristics of the powerful elephant and, in effect, creating the half-animal, half-man demi-god that could fight off the demon. The baby Ganesha then succeeded in killing the cruel demon and solidifying his legend.

Buddha sits on a lotus throne exuding serene elegance as he prepares to embark on the journey of a lifetime. He holds in one hand a mystical weapon similar to a trisula, and a jug of holy water to bless humankind. Inspired, Nyoman Sudiana carves Buddha's image from noble suar wood with sublime mastery in every detail.

Carved by hand, this delightful sculpture is shaped like a fan. Jaifah Aksornsri covers it with sunflowers. A light touch of gilt gives it an antique air.