earthy decor

Intricate flowers bloom in dazzling array, their pristine symmetry arranged in a formal garden. Creamy petals align on bands of blue, purple and brown. Crafted with the ancient technique known as yok dok, such weavings once featured glittery details with threads made of finely beaten silver or gold. Keawpankanlaya transforms a traditional textile into a beautiful wall hanging bordered in black. It hangs from a rain tree wood display rod.

Wayan Rendah designs a decorative box of regal beauty, which he carves by hand from suar wood with low relief artistry. He decorates the lid with the legendary kawung motif unique to Javanese batik art. Referring to the fruit of the palm tree, kawung batik patterns are sometimes likened to lotuses which symbolize long life and purity. For the sides Rendah carves mountain ranges of exceptional beauty.

Buddha assumes the lotus position in this beautiful kadam wood carving. Raised in blessing, his hand sends a message of peace to a war-torn world. This revered and enlightened religious figure invited his followers to free themselves from desire in order to attain perfection. His peace of spirit is represented in the serenity of this piece from Suresh and Devender Garg.

This unique decorative plate is the creation of Daeng Thanunchai in Thailand. The plate is crafted through an elaborate process of forming the coiled bamboo on a lathe, and then applying several layers of a lacquer mixed with the ashes of burnt rice-paddy husks. Subsequent layers of colored lacquers and clear lacquer are applied, and the plate is sanded between each application. A final polishing with powdered fired clay gives the plate a gloriously glossy finish.

This unique decorative plate is the creation of Daeng Thanunchai in Thailand. The plate is crafted through an elaborate process of forming the coiled bamboo on a lathe, and then applying several layers of a lacquer mixed with the ashes of burnt rice-paddy husks. Subsequent layers of colored lacquers and clear lacquer are applied, and the plate is sanded between each application. A final polishing with powdered fired clay gives the plate a gloriously glossy finish.

This masterfully carved decorative vase from Sarwaedi of Bali was inspired by the Javanese legend of Naga Baru Klinting. The subtle application of paint and gilded accents give the vase the appearance of a treasured antique.

According to the legend, Baru Klinting was a dragon who promised a sage that he could circle the whole Merapi Volcano in Central Java to prove that he was the sage's son, but failed to do so. The dragon used his tongue instead, which enraged the sage, and the sage swung a sword to cut his tongue. The dragon fell to the earth. Then people living near the volcano cut up the dragon's body and took it home to make a feast. Suddenly, a midget appeared and put a stick in the earth, and said that he would take all of the dragon's meat if no one was capable of removing the stick. People tried because they didn't want to lose their chance for a feast, but none were able to do it. The midget then removed the stick from the ground, and suddenly in that spot water started to flood the whole village, turning the village into a spring that is present to this day. Later on, another sage revealed that the midget was the soul of the dragon, enraged with the people that tried to eat his body.

Lord Ganesha is the Thai deva of success. Devas are heavenly beings that often visit earth to help and protect humanity or serve as messengers for the gods.

The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is revered in the Hindu pantheon as the god of auspiciousness. He is portrayed with the head of an elephant, one tusk and four hands. Thatsanee and Ramphan craft the figure in celadon ceramic with its delightfully crackled glaze.

Soaring through the sky weaving in and out of clouds, a mighty dragon guards the heavens and Earth. Detailed with refined artistry, the dragon reigns over a decorative celadon plate from Thailand's Duangkamol. A plastic stand displays the plate's magnificence.