bird theme

Surrounding a cross of 18k gold, intricate openwork patterns in sterling silver decorate the front of this signet ring from Bali. Ari Gunawan creates this fascinating ring.

Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, embodied reason and virtue throughout his adventures on Earth. Challenged with unexpected tragedies and moral dilemmas, the deity remained righteous and wise, receiving the title of Ideal Man. Inspired by the divinity's story, Javanese artisan Gunadi handcrafts a pule wood mask with intricate motifs made using batik techniques, all honoring the charming image of Rama. As a mystic touch, the artisan adds a bird-themed crown to the piece, symbolizing the sacred circle of life and death.

Jesus Christ rests calmly on the cross as the delicate central theme of this ornately crafted pendant necklace. With the high polish sterling silver cross and elaborate Cuban link chain, Indonesian artisan Made Sri employs her master skills to design and create a piece that holds beauty within its simplicity. The necklace features a spring ring clasp and uniform sterling silver beads spaced evenly upon the chain.

Surrounded by lush leaves, the face of Buddha is hand-carved from crocodile wood. Balinese artisan Gung Gus creates this striking and reverent wall sculpture, featuring a hand-painted finish with floral and bird motifs on Buddha's face.

Hand-carved of natural suar wood with intricate forms, the Hindu god Vishnu mounts his majestic avian steed, Garuda. Balinese artisan Wayan Nuliati creates this impressive sculpture, realizing the duo with great precision and detail. The duo stands atop a giant lotus flower.

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."