Wood statuette, 'Challenge'

Heads reared above sturdily balanced hind legs, two stallions engage in combat. Territory is being disputed. Made Mudana sculpts their forms to refined perfection as he hand-carves the statuette from richly grained suar wood. He carefully marks every muscular contour. Mudana's expert eye for detail results in a highly expressive piece that exudes the fierce force of battle. This item is individually carved by hand and belongs to a special collection created by the artist.

Teak spirit house, 'Naga's Protective Spirit'

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.

Wood statuette, 'Ganesha the Great'

Suar wood boasts a rich, polished tone, accentuating the reverent aspect of this statuette, patiently carved by the hands of Wayan Rendah. Ganesha, the sacred man-elephant, stands atop a supportive lotus bloom. The son of Siwa and Durga, he is said to be able to keep under control the occult forces that bring disaster upon humankind. His clothing and posture evoke a sense of nobility, while his expression bespeaks kindness and generosity. Four arms hold varied symbols of Hinduism, such as the chain (the eternal quality of knowledge), the lontar palm book (the source of accumulated knowledge), and an axe and a lash, which protect the world from evil. This item is individually carved by hand and belongs to a special collection created by the artist.

Mahogany and cedar nativity scene, 'Our Jesus' (set of 14)

John Barrow carves a moving nativity scene taking place in a manger that is guarded by a tall palm tree. He gives a vivid presence to each character in this scene, especially to Joseph and Mary as she cradles Jesus in her arms. The Three Wise Men and a devout shepherd accompany them, as well as sheep, a donkey, an ox and a camel. With each piece that he carves, Barrow successfully conveys emotion. Though the sculptures are faceless, their postures show reverence. Each character is sculpted from three types of hand-carved wood which include mahogany, cedar and ishpingo.

Wood sculpture, 'Hanoman and Sita'

Hanoman, the great white monkey king, speaks urgently to Sita, who listens raptly to his every word. The beautiful princess in colorful silks is held prisoner by Rahwana, the demon king. Ketut Murdantha commemorates the great hero of the Ramayana in this elegant sculpture. The Hindu epic tells how Rama and Sita are sent into exile and Sita is abducted by Rahwana. In his search for Sita, Rama enlists the aid of Hanoman and they eventually rescue the beautiful queen.