gifts with a cause

Fragile pink petals grace a delicate celadon vase. Painting a favorite motif, Kanda creates an exquisite lotus blossom. It sprouts from a deep green pond.

Made of ko or rokfa wood ashes enriched with oxides, the glazes distinguish these traditional Thai ceramics. When the kiln is opened, the change of temperature causes the piece to contract, giving it the distinctive crackled appearance of true celadon.

A profusion of petals and tendrils graces this sleek celadon vase. Kanda uses gae sa lak, a traditional Thai process used in decorative carving. Made of ko or rokfa wood ashes enriched with oxides, the glazes distinguish these traditional Thai ceramics. When the kiln is opened, the change of temperature causes the piece to contract, giving it the distinctive crackled appearance of true celadon.

You will first fall in love with the adorable puppy paws that go all over this square sterling silver band ring, boasting a lovely combination of oxidized and polished finishes. But then you will realize that while purchasing this stylish accessory, you will also be contributing to the Bali Animal Welfare Association’s cause of rescuing sick, injured and abandoned animals from the streets and beaches of Bali, healing them and finding them loving homes. BAWA was founded in 2007 by Janice Girardi, an American jewellery designer who resides in Indonesia and has been rescuing dogs for over three decades. Funded only by donations, their signature program is focused on saving from extinction the native Balinese dog breed, or kintamani.

Roses bloom on a serene feminine face. The beautiful woman smiles seductively as a monarch butterfly poses briefly on the blossom. Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya sculpts the form from crocodile wood, painting the smooth features by hand. Lined in velvet, the box stores jewelry and keepsakes. Semarajaya's original design pleads the cause of the migratory insects whose sanctuaries are being destroyed around the world. Peace requires that people and nature live in harmony, is the artisan's message.

A brilliant star lances mystic rays across the forehead of this beaded mask by Higinio Hernandez. It casts white light on the tatei yukahima, or “corn plant,” its golden ears ready to harvest. Teruka the scorpion stands guard over the corn on either side of the mouth, and jicuri, or “peyote” buttons, adorn cheeks and chin. Jicuri is the centerpiece of Huichol ritualism, revered for its curative properties and its ability to enlighten those who partake of it.

Aided by his wife and guided by their imagination and feelings, Hernandez creates these vivid images with brilliant chaquira beads patiently placed one at a time on a papier mache base. Beeswax is used instead of glue. His masks reveal the rich cosmology of the Huichol people and add color and life to any setting.

Because each mask is individually crafted without a pattern, small details may vary, such as the color of a flower or symbol, but without affecting the original design.

Care instructions: Since this exquisite mask is made with the traditional process of attaching the beads with wax, do not expose this piece to direct heat or light, which may cause the wax to dry or soften and thus loosen the beads.