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."

With paws clasped in a fervent wish, a charming cat squeezes eyes shut in prayer. Nengah Sudarsana expresses his love for animals through his wood sculptures, carved by hand.

With paws clasped in a fervent wish, this charming cat closes its eyes in a prayer of thanks. Nengah Sudarsana expresses his love for animals through his wood sculptures, masterfully carved by hand.

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.

A serene cat sits in lotus pose as if in prayer ormeditation in this charming sculpture. Hand carved inBali from local suar wood and signed by artist NengahSudarsana, who shares his love for animals through his work.