altar piece

An original set of Christmas ornaments, these tiny retablos celebrate the birth of Jesus. Retablos were originally intended as altar pieces featuring different scenes from the Bible. Alejandro Chavez handcrafts the miniature nativity scenes from plaster of Paris. Each character is shaped and painted individually and painted with bright hues.

Like an ancient vessel found on temple altars, this handcrafted vase preserves an aura of rustic elegance. Presented by Nantana Sompamitre, the mango wood vase features a carefully affixed eggshell mosaic - evidencing Thailand's sumptuous lacquer ware legacy. Not watertight.

To craft a piece such as this one, mango wood is carefully hand-shaped upon a lathe and then a mixture of lacquer - obtained from trees and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks - is applied. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal which is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper and several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

Next, chicken or duck eggshells are thoroughly cleaned and finely cracked to be patiently arranged in a mosaic pattern upon a fresh coat of lacquer. The work again lacquered twice, and when dry it is sanded in water until the eggshells slowly appear. The piece is finally rinsed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, resulting in an alluring distinctive gleam.

Care Instructions: Lacquerware is not dishwasher safe. When cleaning is needed, simply clean with a damp cloth and never use any type of abrasive cleaner.

Indian artisans work with designer Hema to create a marvelous collection inspired by spirituality and philosophy. With a black macrame cord allowing for a comfortable fit, this adjustable bracelet comes with a charming sterling silver pendant at the centre. The piece, polished for a radiant look, has a cross at the centre, symbolizing faith.

Indian artisans work with designer Hema to create a marvelous collection inspired by spirituality and philosophy. With a black macrame cord allowing for a comfortable fit, this adjustable bracelet comes with a charming sterling silver pendant at the centre. The piece, polished for a shiny look, has a fist motif at the centre, associated with social unity.

Indian artisans work with designer Hema to create a marvelous collection inspired by spirituality and philosophy. With a black macrame cord allowing for a comfortable fit, this adjustable bracelet comes with a charming sterling silver pendant at the centre. The piece, polished for a dazzling look, has an Om symbol, symbolizing inner peace and spiritual growth.

Indian artisans work with designer Hema to create a marvelous collection inspired by spirituality and philosophy. With a black macrame cord allowing for a comfortable fit, this adjustable bracelet comes with a charming sterling silver pendant at the centre. The piece, polished for a lustrous look, has a Khanda symbol as a representation of God's knowledge and perfection.

Indian artisans work with designer Hema to create a marvelous collection inspired by spirituality and philosophy. With a black macrame cord allowing for a comfortable fit, this adjustable bracelet comes with a charming sterling silver pendant at the centre. The piece, polished for a glossy look, has an Ek Onkar symbol, part of the Sikh doctrine, meaning "there is only one God."

As an homage to the traditional ornaments crafted for religious ceremonies, designer Wayan Karang creates a pair of 22k gold-plated brass ear jacket earrings inspired by Bali's culture. The design, crafted by local artisans, creates a unique illusion around the ears, with the grey cultured pearls resting at the front and the petal motifs coming in the form of detachable pieces that are set at the back of the ear for an enchanting look. The pearl button earrings can also be worn on their own.