couples gifts

The extended family is present in the stone house by the tree as a proud young couple introduces their newborn. Snuggling up to the baby, curious lambs share their warmth in the crisp mountain air. Brothers and sisters look on with excitement while aunts and grandmother bring gifts of home-cooked food to share. A sense of joy and gratitude pervades this scene from a town in the Peruvian Andes. A master ceramic artist, Dionisio Rojas depicts each and every one in exquisite detail, subtly alluding to the first nativity.

Depicting a Cuzco couple, these dangle earrings are crafted of sterling silver, adding a touch of Peruvian culture to your wardrobe. Quipac works to capture the spirit of his country, detailing the duo wearing large hats with braided hair and traditional clothing.

Ana Maria Enciso's career as a metal worker began when she married an able one. Together the couple have worked to expand their line of products, often inspired by Peru's ancient past. This past is seen on this decorative fluted cup/vase which is made of copper and bronze, some of it oxidized. The gaps in the figures at the base are filled in with ground sodalite.

"I pay tribute to love, the love of a couple, love for the family, children, friends. Love toward the world in which we live, so that it is better and better. A world filled with peace and hope – all this is reflected in my work through a simple heart. If you look closely, you'll see that they are two halves. Wedding rings form the heads of two people who hold hands," says Peruvian artisan Marco Floríndez. He sculpts this evocative piece of red steel.

Lithe graceful dancers perform the Marinera dance in this vivid sculpture by John Barrow. "It's part of my 'Folklore' series inspired by this beautiful country and its regional traditions," says Barrow with admiration. Originating from northern Peru, the Marinera recreates the sea of emotions surrounding flirtation, attraction and falling in love. It can be danced individually or in couples, and performers hold handkerchiefs in sign of peace. Barrow works with hand-carved segments of cedar, mahogany and ishpingo woods, which he dyes with natural pigments.