gifts for old women

Lifting their trunks, two green elephants trumpet their happiness. An important part of Thai culture, elephants are a symbol of Old Siam. Thatsanee and Ramphan craft the pair by hand in the tradition of celadon ceramic arts, renowned for its subtly crackled glaze.

This hammock holds the promise of a well-deserved rest with its palette of cool and refreshing blue hues. From Maya Artists of the Yucatan, this ample cotton hammock is woven by hand according to age-old techniques.

Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother, due to the comfortable manner in which the body is held and swung within its cradle. Maya Artists of the Yucatan seek to preserve time-honored customs while also offering stylized versions of the original Maya hammock. For them, the hammock is a work of art. Their hammocks are incredibly comfortable, easy to maintain, and may be stored just about anywhere.

Please note: The accompanying extension ropes may vary in color from those shown in the images.

Please note: For best results, store indoors when not in use. Colors may bleed when wet.

NOTE: Because each is woven individually by hand, measurements may vary by as much as ten centimeters. There may be slight color variations from hammock to hammock.

Jaifah Aksornsri carves rain tree wood into the shape of a cheerful elephant from old Siam. It carries an iron candleholder in its back to hold a single tealight.

Shaped of ceramic, this charming elephant lifts its trunk in welcome. Duangkamol works in the painstaking celadon technique, creating a beautiful symbol of old Siam. It is glazed in a deep, rich blue.

A symbol of old Siam, elephants are a favorite in Thailand. This cheerful pachyderm is intended to bring good luck. Painted by hand, it adorns a generous front pocket on a cotton sling tote. By Jiap Rojjana, the bag is fully lined and an inner pocket with zipper keeps small items handy. Yellow cords and rain tree wood beads adorn the strap, and both the outer pocket and the purse close with coconut shell buttons.

Because each is an individual work of embroidery art, colors and motifs may vary slightly according to the artisan's inspiration.

A symbol of Old Siam, elephants parade across this handsome cup. Duangkamol works in Thailand's famed celadon ceramic with its characteristically crackled glaze. The delightful light blue mug is crafted by hand. This piece makes a wonderful gift.

Fierce and intimidating, the mythological Barong Bangkal protects those around him. Translated as "old boar," Bangkal is identified by his pig-like features. Made Mulyani captures the essence of this Barong in an acacia wood mask that is exquisitely carved and detailed with traditional Balinese motifs. In Hindu mythology, Barong come in many different forms and are mostly represented as animals such as elephants, tigers, pigs, ravens, goats and bulls.

Three petite green ceramic owls recommend that we "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil". Believed to have originated in ancient Japan, the old saw inspires a charming accent in this trio of statuettes.The figurines are crafted by hand and given the crackled glaze that is characteristic of celadon ceramic.

Handcrafted of ceramic, this sleek figurine represents an elephant's grace. Duangkamol works in the painstaking celadon technique, creating a beautiful symbol of old Siam. It is glazed in a deep, rich turquoise.

Gleaming brass beads embrace blue-green calcite to host bells and spiral charms. A symbol of old Siam, gleaming elephants complete this delightful anklet by Tiraphan Hasub.

Happy elephants lift their trunks high to trumpet with joy. Nantana Sompamitre crafts the cheerful pair from rain tree wood. A symbol of Old Siam, the elephants display Thailand's traditional lacquer art.

Graceful and feminine, this blouse is designed by Isha Jain. She selects handloomed cotton in bright lime green for the scoop-neck tunic. Ornate motifs in vivid rose exemplify the ancient Indian block print technique, and beads, applied by hand, adorn the placket. The top slips over the head.

As is typical of genuine handloomed fabric, there are tiny slubs throughout. This occurs when a thread runs out, and the weaver extends it by twisting a new thread together with the old.