library decor

Relaxed and poised, this tuxedo cat is alert to the world around it, smiling a friendly smile. Nengah Sudarsana hand-carves the endearing cat from albesia wood, painting it with expressive detail, including the eyes. This statuette is designed to rest on a bookshelf, a computer monitor, or on table.

Angel Cerón finds inspiration in the art and beliefs of the Olmeca people to replicate the sculpture of a jaguar holding a man standing on his head. "The original sculpture is from the middle pre-classic period of 1200-400 B.C. and was found in San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, Veracruz," explains the master ceramist. "The ancient Olmeca believed they were descendants of the union between a jaguar and a woman. The actual myth seems to have been lost in time, though many of their celebrations and artistry make reference to the jaguar, especially portraying people with feline facial characteristics including fangs. There used to be a considerable jaguar population in the same region where the Olmeca culture developed, so they regarded the feline as having some connection with their origin. They also believed it to represent both the world of th living, and the underworld," continues Cerón, who crafts the sculpture with yellow clay from the state of Oaxaca creating low and high relief accents and gives it an antiqued finish.

Made Wirata presents an exquisite sculpture that celebrates a growing fondness of the heart. Warm suar wood is hand-carved into an abstract heart motif with the natural grain shining throughout. This modern Balinese sculpture rests easily on any desk or shelf, a reminder of loved ones.

From Made Wirata, this sleek sculpture captures the strength and pride of an elephant in a modern sculpture. The perky pachyderm inspires admiration.

Hand-carved of rich teak wood, an elephant extends its left legs in a walking posture. Thailand's Amporn presents the charming sculpture, working with local artisans who give it a finish that accentuates the wood's natural grain. The elephant's tusks are made of ivory wood and are removable.

Artist Abdul Aziz Mohamadu carves this elegant giraffe statuette by hand from sese wood. Trained as a painter, Abdul now also runs his own carving studio and plans to one day open an art academy. The artisan's attention to detail is evident in the graceful curve of the giraffe's neck and its gentle gaze.

From Made Wirata, this sleek sculpture distills the essence of the elephant in a modern sculpture. With its trunk raised in a joyous trumpet, the forest creature triumphs over the challenges of its habitat.