peruvian pottery

Wearing traditional Andean dress, Mary and Joseph end their quest for shelter in a church in the highlands of Peru. Dionisio Rojas Gutiérrez crafts a New World creche where strong stone walls provide shelter from winter winds. Angels, shepherds and musicians accompany the miracle of the first Christmas, and doves symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Traditionally used to drink alcoholic drinks, such as chicha, a type of corn beer, this decorative kero vase from Peru evokes the culture of the ancient Inca. The Huaman Paucar Family craft the simple, trumpeting vase of ceramic, featuring intricate hand-painted geometric designs characteristic of the era.

A breathtakingly detailed ceramic nativity scene, "Central Church" is handmade in Peru and signed by the artist, Dionisio Rojas. This skilled artisan has created fine ceramics since age ten. Now married and with a workshop of his own, he has won many local, state, and national art contests in Peru.

This beautifully-painted ceramic sculpture is from Maribel Posso in Peru. The sculpture is inspired by the myth of the torito de Pucará, which tells the story of a sacrificial bull that brought water to the townspeople by piercing the side of a mountain with its horn. The bull is considered a symbol of protection and prosperity in Peru.

Reverse-painted glass, introduced to Peru in the 17th century, is now a revered Peruvian art form. The Ortiz Family brings to this craft a unique conflux of influences. Their repetitive geometrical and symmetrical patterns owe their origins to Inca pottery, but their coloration is drawn from the multi-hued blue and gold tiles found in North Africa and Spain. Our glass-topped wooden tray is handcrafted in the family’s workshop in Peru.

Experience the stunning artistry of Andean culture with this exquisite wool runner rug from artisan Gerardo Fernandez. The striking design pays homage to the tocapus, the distinctive geometric designs widely used in Inca culture. These intricate patterns adorned various items, including textiles, pottery and other crafted goods, serving as a fundamental artistic element throughout the Inca Empire. The rug's captivating colors, derived entirely from natural sources like cochineal, tree leaves, bark, roots and fruits, bring ancient traditions to life in your home. This handwoven masterpiece not only elevates your space but also connects you to centuries of Peruvian craftsmanship and creativity.

Twin handles extend from the narrow neck of this elegant terracotta jar. Hand-crafted using ancestral techniques, it reveals the precise geometry of Inca design motifs. Rolando and Luis shape the vase on the potter's wheel and faithfully recreate ancient iconography for a spectacular decorative piece.