fair trade frames

Diverse scenes representative of the Ayacucho region of Peru comprise this handcrafted retablo, a unique style of Andean folk art. The altar-like composition is divided into several shelves, populated by colorful figures and expressions of native customs. In the upper space, Alejandro Chavez recreates the birth of Jesus, as men and women dressed in traditional Peruvian attire look on proudly. The frame is made from wood, while the artist uses ceramic figures and vibrant paints to evoke the vast tapestry of human emotions.

A jasmine garland frames the borders of this jewelry box with a festive grandeur. Imran carves the box from pristine marble, and decorates it with a florid fantasy that is expertly inlaid by hand.

Please note that once carved, marble may progressively change its original hue from pristine white to ivory.

Myriad suns subtly frame the design of this handsome cuff bracelet by Chaloemphon. Designed for men, the bracelet is crafted by hand of quality leather featuring dyed patterns in dark brown. The underside is black and inside there is a stainless steel wire to adjust the cuff as desired.

Accompanied by an elephant, a young Lanna (northern Thai) woman is pensive. Baskets of flowers adorn her tranquil country environment, and a spiraling plant motif swirls upward like her thoughts. Alaya Cholprasertsuk's design depicts this beautiful scene using batik on 100% cotton. Charming and original, these cushion covers are ideal for an informal contemporary decor.

Batik is a fabric art in which the cloth is stretched on a wooden frame and the design sketched with a pencil. Then a mixture of melted wax and resin (70%/30%) is painted onto areas where color is not desired and the fabric is dipped in a solution of reactive dye, water, salt, and sodium bicarbonate. When the fabric is crumpled into the dying solution, the wax cracks, creating an attractive network of fine lines. The wax is removed and process is repeated for each color utilized. Finally, the cloth is washed and rinsed to remove any excess dye.

This pair will feature the same design, but the colors may vary slightly to those pictured, making each a unique work of art.

Intricate textures in glowing repoussè bring a feeling of unrestrained luxury to this design by Khalid Ali. Crafted by hand, the elegant mirror rises to a graceful arch. Its mango wood frame is covered with embossed brass bathed in nickel.

Oval cabochons of golden-specked lapis lazuli demand a royal audience in these original dangle earrings from India's Neeru Goel. The artisan sets the deep blue stones in sterling silver, framing them with ornate beading and oxidized areas for dramatic contrast.

.925 Sterling silver

Like a marigold that opens its petals to the sun's warm rays, this mirror reflects beauty in a dazzling way. Asunta Pelaez crafts the frame by hand with traditional painted glass techniques that are unique to Peru's Cajamarca region. Delicately painted, the floral motifs feature golden accents and an antique finish.

Multi-colored flowers shimmer on a deep olive green and white background in this exquisitely crafted mirror by Asunta Pelaez. With consummate craftsmanship, she creates an arresting accessory featuring delicately painted glass panels covering a wood frame.

Expert in the Peruvian art of reverse painted glass, Asunta Pelaez designs a wall mirror of antiqued elegance. She hand-paints the mirror frame with floral motifs, creating a weathered illusion accentuated by blue and aged golden colour.