ceramic folk art

What ancient wisdom does this little man have to share? Handcrafted by Chorotega pottery artisan Elpidio Chavarría of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, this ceramic statuette of a seated man with headdress and glasses is the natural sand color of the clay with details painted in dark orange and brown.

Chorotega pottery is completely handmade with traditional techniques passed down through the generations for 3,000 years, and one of the last surviving cultural elements of the Chorotega people indigenous to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region and Nicoya Peninsula. Chorotega pottery is made from local clay mixed with a very fine freshwater sand. The artisans shape the clay on hand-operated pottery wheels and hand-polish the art piece to give it a smooth texture and luster. Designs are etched by hand and the pieces are painted with natural pigments made from pulverized local colored rocks mixed with water, then fired in traditional wood-burning brick kilns. The result is a beautiful, earthen pottery unique to this region.

One of the most magical and mystic species of the forest inspires Sergio Ponce's newest creation while also symbolizing wisdom. Featuring Mexico's classic Hacienda style, this owl-themed sculpture has a ceramic structure made with traditional techniques, enhancing its charming look.

Warm tones characterize the traditional costumes of Vaspurakan, a province of the ancient kingdom of Armenia known as “the land of princes.” Artisan Gohar Petrosyan, inspired by stories and songs of the city's splendor, uses ceramics to craft this sweet tribute, creating this hand-painted figurine depicting a lovely lady carrying her baby while wearing the stunning style of the place.

The famous Catrina—an icon of femininity and tradition in the celebrations held in honor of the Day of the Dead—arrives in a wondrous floral dress that evokes the tropical side of Mexico's summer season. Master artisan Jorge Escamilla captures the icon's enigmatic and playful beauty in a ceramic sculpture painted by hand in a palette of orange hues. The piece also arrives with a little monkey climbing its dress, symbolizing fun and youth.