piece of art

A brilliant painted wood box opens to reveal handcrafted masks. Used during the Carnival celebrations preceding Lent, they show an astonishing array of animals, human and fantasy faces. Alejandro Chávez displays them in a traditional diorama, known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled by hand.

Watching over their tiny son, Mary and Joseph smile. Above them, the three kings bring offerings to the Christ child. Shepherds worship and angels sing in the heavens above. Alejandro Chávez portrays the nativity on four levels in three dimensions. This traditional diorama is known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled and painted by hand.

The energy of the land emanates from this expression of Peruvian folk art, while a divine scene above sanctifies the labors of rural Peru. Known as a retablo, this piece reflects the passion and talent of Alejandro Chavez. He crafts the frame by hand, creating shelves to display his tiny ceramic figures painted to joyous perfection.

Surrounded by flowers, the Virgin of Guadalupe is queen of the heavens. She first appeared in Mexico in 1531 and, as proof of her visit, caused roses to bloom at the site. Named Patron Saint of the Americas by Pope John Paul II, she is a beloved manifestation of the Catholic faith. Alejandro Chávez recreates the portrait that appeared miraculously on the tilma (cactus fiber cloak) of Saint Juan Diego in 1531. He creates the image in a traditional diorama known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled and painted by hand.

This breathtaking retablo portrays the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a masterful creation handcrafted by Peruvian artisan Alejandro Chavez. Made from wood and meticulously painted by hand in vibrant colors, it embodies the rich tradition of Andean folk art. At its heart stands the ceramic figurine of Christ on the cross, rendered with exquisite detail that captures the profound agony and sacrifice of the moment. Surrounding Him are delicate figurines of angels and onlookers, their expressions radiating deep emotion and reverence. More than a devotional piece, this retablo is a testament to the cultural and spiritual fusion that defines Peruvian folk art.

Celestial scenes inhabit the upper composition of this altar, as figures in traditional Andean attire celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ beneath a rich, floral canopy. This form of Peruvian folk art is known as the retablo, especially characteristic of the Ayacucho region. The frame is crafted by hand from wood, while Alejandro Chávez fills the shelves with tiny ceramic characters painted to joyous perfection.

In a rectangular composition, scenes celebrating childhood games decorate the frame of this wooden wall mirror from Peru. Alejandro Chavez designs this piece of wall decor, elaborating four sections with petite hand-painted ceramic figurines in the style of traditional retablos. From human pyramids to kites and soccer, this mirror captures the spirit of an Andean childhood.

This handcrafted wall mirror by Alejandro Chavez is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that seamlessly blends the artistic traditions of Ayacucho, Peru, with contemporary decorative elements. Its wooden frame, meticulously hand-carved and painted, bursts with vibrant colors and delicate floral designs that elegantly frame the central composition. At its heart lies the mirror itself, radiating light and adding visual depth while reflecting not only its surroundings but also the profound cultural and spiritual connection of the Andean people to their heritage. Surrounding the mirror, intricately hand-molded and painted ceramic figurines bring to life everyday and festive scenes from rural Andean life: farmers working the land, musicians playing traditional instruments and dancers dressed in vivid regional attire. Adding further dimension, the piece prominently features a nativity scene and a depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, each rendered with exquisite detail and reverence.

Depicting traditional Andean scenes, this miniature wall retablo is handcrafted by artisan Jesus Urbano of Peru. Using a hollowed and cross-cut carrizo reed as the holder and plaster to form the scenery and people, the artisan creates a cheerful, colorful piece of decor that exudes Latin American style.