handcrafted

Sitting in lotus position, fingertips slightly touching, a human figure exudes the calm that comes from meditating. Suar wood lends its warm brown grain to enhance the expressive nature of this hand-carved sculpture by Bali's Eka.

Eka presents a calming sculpture from Bali. Hand-carved from local suar wood with a natural finish, an abstract human figure sits with legs crossed. This meditation pose is often performed by pregnant women, the hands used to caress the belly.

Engraved and painted by hand on a serene blue background, the omkara symbol invites meditation. Ritu Thapar designs a unity bracelet for men and women in terracotta. The beads reveal jali cutout motifs and are fired twice. Omkara is considered the root of all sounds. This one letter is the emblem of the most high, and serves as a deeply significant and distinctly recognizable symbol for Hindu dharma.

Artisan Kathiana Quispe designs this passport holder to share her vision of world peace, for others to carry with them as they explore and better understand the world: "Peace is within, and one of the best ways to find it is by traveling," the artisan explains. "Traveling, you find yourself, discover new emotions, new corners, and the calmness that comes with the realization that the world is so big that your own problems become small."

The artist explains that llamas are positive, adaptable creatures known for their balance and action. They are also protectors, known to keep predators away from flocks and herds of smaller animals.

To Kathiana Quispe, the represent an image of a path to peace, as does the concept of a passport itself, increasing understanding and appreciations between far distant peoples.

Her dark brown leather passport design is enhanced with a handloomed Andean textile. The interior features a polyester lining, and pockets to secure a passport.

The calm, peaceful face of Buddha surrounded by vines and berries is captured in natural suar wood by Made Mulyani. Featuring a circular shape, this eye-catching relief panel brings a spiritual vibe to any home.

Dinesh transforms acacia wood into a festive set of three ringing bells. Featuring golden painted iron beads, the handcrafted ornaments hang from braided cords in gold and silver and arrive in a golden organza pouch.

Innocence, purity and beauty are traits often represented by the lily flower. Symbol of divinity and part of the popular language of flowers, this charming bloom inspires today a suar wood relief panel handcrafted by Made Mulyani from Bali. After long hours of hard work, the final result is an exquisite piece of art in a natural wood grain pattern.