wooden gifts

Though many people know the biblical story of the legendary gifts of the Magi, told in the Gospel according to Matthew, few have experienced the extraordinary scent of frankincense and myrrh. These fragrant resins, used by ancient Greeks and Romans for medicinal and religious purposes, can be enjoyed on your evening fire or as incense. Our set of three mango-wood chests also contains the third gift of the Magi: gold. Here, delicate flakes of 23-karat gold are presented in a handblown glass ball. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Frankincense is from Boswellia sacra trees in the Dofar region of Oman. Myrrh is from Commiphora trees found throughout the Arabian Peninsula. The chests are crafted in India.

The Laguiole designation is associated with excellent quality, razor-sharp knives that last a lifetime. Handmade in the Aubrac region of southern France using the traditional Laguiole process, which involves over 100 manual production steps, this stainless steel blade folds into a sleek olive-wood handle. The style originates in Normandy where it's traditionally used for cutting the region's famous Camembert cheese.

Crafted meticulously by hand by artisans in Lebanon, this inlaid wood game set will provide hours of family fun. The board and pieces are crafted from walnut, apple, lemon and pine woods with accents of mother of pearl. The tessellating geometric shapes and stars seen on this game set are typical of design motifs seen in Islamic art. The folding game board features a chess/checker board on one side and a backgammon board on the other side. Chess pieces and checkers are included, and can be stored in the folded box.

The game is afoot with this complete set of 32 finely carved chess pieces. Crafted from smooth pinewood, each piece blends classic design with natural charm. The set comes neatly packed in a durable cotton storage bag for easy transport and safekeeping.

Please note: Chessboard not included.

At once bold and modern, as well as classic, the original design of this shawl is by Rajnandinee and Srabonti in India. The alabaster-hued tussar silk wrap is decorated with block printing techniques executed by hand that reveal black leafy shields among bands of magenta and rusty orange.

Hand block printing is a millenary art form believed to have spread throughout Asia during the 4th century AD. The desired composition is carved on wooden block with a chisel, hammer, file, nails etc. Printing involves laying out the fabric on flat tables and making the impressions with the previously carved blocks dipped in the desired dyes.