retablo ayacuchano

By Peruvian artisan Alejandro Chavez, this wall mirror celebrates the traditional nativity. In the style of traditional retablos, Chavez diligently crafts a variety of different figurines from ceramic, painted by hand within a wood frame that surrounds a mirror in the center. The upper portion of the frame depict the nativity, while the left and right sections depict a hat and a mask shop. The bottom section depicts a group of musicians dancing and playing traditional music.

"My creations are inspired by the Ayacucho retablos, which are decorative dioramas with hand-modeled figures in bright and neon colors," says Peru's Elva Florez. She designs a vivid ceramic cat figurine with beautiful floral motifs painted by hand on a pink background that will brighten up any space.

"My creations are inspired by the Ayacucho retablos, which are decorative dioramas with hand-modeled figures in bright and neon colors," says Peru's Elva Florez. She designs a vivid ceramic cat figurine with beautiful floral motifs painted by hand on a pink background that will brighten up any space.

This handcrafted wall mirror by Alejandro Chavez is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that seamlessly blends the artistic traditions of Ayacucho, Peru, with contemporary decorative elements. Its wooden frame, meticulously hand-carved and painted, bursts with vibrant colors and delicate floral designs that elegantly frame the central composition. At its heart lies the mirror itself, radiating light and adding visual depth while reflecting not only its surroundings but also the profound cultural and spiritual connection of the Andean people to their heritage. Surrounding the mirror, intricately hand-molded and painted ceramic figurines bring to life everyday and festive scenes from rural Andean life: farmers working the land, musicians playing traditional instruments and dancers dressed in vivid regional attire. Adding further dimension, the piece prominently features a nativity scene and a depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, each rendered with exquisite detail and reverence.