shelf sculpture

Ancient and wise, the turtle has long captivated the imagination as an emblem of tenacity and sagacity. Celebrating this revered creature, Armenian artisan Vahe Mnacakanyan's adorable sculpture lends the turtle's timeless virtues an enchanting form. Hand-carved from elm wood into a winsome figure, its sturdy stainless steel legs and intricately etched shell balance whimsy and gravitas, blending playful charm with the turtle's symbolic wisdom.

In Armenia, turtles are highly regarded as a symbol of wisdom, strength and perseverance. Vahe Mnacakanyan draws inspiration from this charming creature to create a delightful sculpture skillfully painted in black and carved by hand from elm tree wood. Its adorable legs are fashioned from stainless steel while the shell is beautifully decorated with expertly carved geometric motifs.

Ghanaian artisan Robert Lanyo works with sese wood to create an exquisite sculpture that combines tradition and modernity. The main piece is a checkered egg in a palette of brown hues, which can also be used as a box for storing small items thanks to its coconut shell lining. Furthermore, the artwork comes with a base featuring an intricate design reminiscent of ancient African works, creating a superb addition to your home decor.

As alebrijes swim through the subconscious of the artisan's imagination, it seems fitting that they have flippers as this multicolored hand carved sea turtle does. Made using copal wood, this alebrije figurine by artisans Jesus and Roxana Hernandez of Oaxaca, Mexico, has a shell in glorious shades of green, purple, lavender, and brown; the creative geometric designs are patiently painted by hand. Pink flippers and a blue head complete the marine tortoise.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became seriously ill and fell into a sort of coma. While he was unconscious, he had a most fantastic dream. He was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije, and when Linares woke up, he recreated these figures in vivid colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and eventually influenced artisans in the state of Oaxaca who decided to craft alebrijes using traditional wood carving methods and according to that region's world vision.

Radiant in mystical elegance, this leopard jasper pyramid is captivating with its singular beauty. Its surface is a light terracotta color punctuated with intriguing spots buried deep within the stone. César Gonzáles masterfully sculpts this piece into a perfect three-dimensional triangle.