creative sculpture

This black and turquoise mouse figure is a magical alebrije, an animal wood carving painted in fantastic colors. He is named after another fantasy creature, the Ratoncito Pérez, Mexico's answer to the tooth fairy. He is created and signed by artists Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda of Oaxaca, Mexico. The tail detaches for safe shipping.

This charming alebrije sculpture is the original creation of Mexico's Pablo and Lucy Mendez. The perky chihuahua is carved by hand from copal wood before being painted in meticulous detail. Suns, stars, spirals and fretwork in blue, violets and turquoise shades cover the sculpture.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all ran at him, shouting "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

After cheerful hours swimming in the river, a cute otter has found the perfect meal to make the day. Crafted by Mexico's Alejandro and Rocio Jimenez, this copal wood figurine comes hand-painted in the traditional alebrije style, all in a palette of turquoise, purple and yellow hues that enhance the vivacious nature of this adorable creature and its little fish, which can be removed from the artwork.

The underworld dresses itself with a romantic and musical aura, the same that surrounds this ceramic sculpture by master artisan Jorge Escamilla. Inspired by tradition and love, Jorge works with classic techniques to create this sublime piece, depicting a couple of Catrines—famous Day of the Dead icons—in a passionate serenade. With one figure wearing a mariachi suit and the other a traditional dress, the hand-painted pieces are joined on a heart-shaped base.

In this slightly more modern interpretation of traditional alebrije folk art, a stretching turquoise cat is covered with stripes, dots and spirals. Artisans Pablo and Lucy Mendez of Oaxaca carve the sculpture by hand from copal wood and paint it in meticulous detail. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all ran at him, shouting "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

Capture the essence of Mesoamerican legacy with this mesmerizing wall mask paying homage to the revered jaguar god, an emblem central to the heart of significant ancient civilizations. Meticulously sculpted from papier mache by Mexican artisan Morneo, the remarkable mask unveils a figure donning a commanding jaguar headdress. A symphony of intricate hand-painted motifs and vibrant hues, reminiscent of the captivating folk art style of alebrijes, adorns the mask's surface. Safeguarding its allure and enriching its luminosity, layers of protective lacquer enfold this extraordinary creation.