altar piece

Celestial scenes inhabit the upper composition of this altar, as figures in traditional Andean attire celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ beneath a rich, floral canopy. This form of Peruvian folk art is known as the retablo, especially characteristic of the Ayacucho region. The frame is crafted by hand from wood, while Alejandro Chávez fills the shelves with tiny ceramic characters painted to joyous perfection.

A brilliant painted wood box opens to reveal handcrafted masks. Used during the Carnival celebrations preceding Lent, they show an astonishing array of animals, human and fantasy faces. Alejandro Chávez displays them in a traditional diorama, known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled by hand.

Watching over their tiny son, Mary and Joseph smile. Above them, the three kings bring offerings to the Christ child. Shepherds worship and angels sing in the heavens above. Alejandro Chávez portrays the nativity on four levels in three dimensions. This traditional diorama is known as a retablo; each figurine is modeled and painted by hand.

Flanked by a lamb and a sheep, Baby Jesus is most welcomed into the world in this Ghanaian nativity scene. Mary kneels next to him, with an angel and a Wise Man on either side. Joseph and a shepherd hold a staff while the other two Wise Men hold their gifts. Working with oniya wood, Francis Agbete sculpts a 10-piece nativity scene featuring highly expressive figurines.

An original set of Christmas ornaments, these tiny retablos celebrate the birth of Jesus. Retablos were originally intended as altar pieces featuring different scenes from the Bible. Alejandro Chavez handcrafts the miniature nativity scenes from plaster of Paris. Each character is shaped and painted individually and painted with bright hues.

Like an ancient vessel found on temple altars, this handcrafted vase preserves an aura of rustic elegance. Presented by Nantana Sompamitre, the mango wood vase features a carefully affixed eggshell mosaic - evidencing Thailand's sumptuous lacquer ware legacy. Not watertight.

To craft a piece such as this one, mango wood is carefully hand-shaped upon a lathe and then a mixture of lacquer - obtained from trees and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks - is applied. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal which is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper and several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

Next, chicken or duck eggshells are thoroughly cleaned and finely cracked to be patiently arranged in a mosaic pattern upon a fresh coat of lacquer. The work again lacquered twice, and when dry it is sanded in water until the eggshells slowly appear. The piece is finally rinsed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, resulting in an alluring distinctive gleam.

Care Instructions: Lacquerware is not dishwasher safe. When cleaning is needed, simply clean with a damp cloth and never use any type of abrasive cleaner.

Buddha's glorious presence is revealed in the delicate artistry of this puzzle box. From Eka, the box is carved from suar wood in four pieces designed to fit perfectly together.