shelf decor

Fernando Castro crafts a magnificent sculpture inspired by the Peruvian horse, known as el caballo de paso. Introduced by Spaniards during the colonial era, these horses have played an important role in the history of the Americas. The horse is carved by hand of dark mahogany to feature an impressive level of detail. An intricate leather saddle and straps are accented with sterling silver.

This striking painting by Christian Bustamante depicts a red crab wearing an old yellow diving helmet as it walks across the ocean floor surrounded by seaweed and shells. “This surreal image evokes different sensations in those who observe it. Each viewer can interpret the scene in their own way,” says the Salvadoran artist, who created the composition using acrylics on canvas.

Daeng Thanunchai balances this decorative bowl with contrasting visual textures. The elegant pattern of brown and beige on a black background illustrates the continual evolution of lacquer work in Northern Thailand. Mosaic eggshell patterns adorn the interior, resulting in a singular acquisition for the home. For decorative purposes only.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that 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. Then 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 spread out on paper towels to dry. Once dry, they are cracked into small pieces and arranged in a mosaic pattern. Then lacquer is once again applied to the piece and the shells are placed onto this fresh coat. The work is then lacquered twice, and once the lacquer is dry it is sanded in water until the eggshells slowly appear. The piece is finally washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, resulting in an alluring gleam.

Rich textures embossed in lustrous leather border the surface of a lovely coffee table. Handcrafted from mohena wood, a hardwood similar to mahogany, it stands on gracefully curved legs with a convenient lower shelf. Abel Ríos finds a theme in Spanish colonial furniture for this lovely design.