M. Ayub "No artificial color is ever used on my walnut products. They are rubbed with agate stone before a wax polish is applied. It is a colossal investment in terms of time and dedication...." The artistry of M. Ayub has been featured in Family magazine. "I was born in 1965, in the valley of Kashmir known for its rich tradition of master craftsmanship in multiple disciplines of handicrafts. The valley of Kashmir abounds in tall sturdy trees like walnut and Chinar. It was our family tradition to make artifacts and artistic furniture from walnut wood. I had pursued the craft since I learned it in my boyhood. Over the last decade, militancy in Kashmir had done tremendous disservice to the industry and we were compelled to open our major outlet in New Delhi. However our factory and old office still functions where we craft our artifacts and furniture. "The walnut wooden products are completely carved with hand without the slightest use of machinery. The wood is obtained from very old and at times dead walnut trees are dumped in shade for dehydration incredibly long period of two to three years. No artificial color is ever used on my walnut products. They are rubbed with agate stone before a wax polish is applied. It is a colossal investment in terms of time and dedication for churning out one finished product of walnut wood. "Our products have been on display in Dilli Haat open-air handicrafts market, the American Embassy, and Kashmir Emporium in New Delhi. I have never sought awards nor got one. "Today it is a dying craft. Industry in the valley has dwindled due of disturbances. Moreover the new generation doesn't possess the amount of patience required to craft walnut wooden artifacts and elaborate furniture. Very few people are learning this craft now. However I would want it to continue ahead since our previous generation had dedicated themselves to excellence in this craft. Keeping the demands of changing times in mind we make German and Italian designs of furniture for European market. "I have a great hope from Novica India Handicrafts. I believe our association with Novica will take our labor of love directly to the art admirers in overseas destination."

	Customer Reviews
		I received one of M. Ayub's handcrafted jewelry boxes as a Christmas present. It is beautiful and the details are extraordinary. I would hope that he continues creating these beautiful pieces for others to enjoy. I know that I will treasure it for years to come. Sincerely, Kelly Bayless - ROBERT M, California, USA I am SO ABSOLUTELY pleased with my jewelry box that I am thinking of adding another to begin a collection! The craftsmanship is much better than what you see at the exclusive shops, and I prefer hand-carving to mass produced! Thank you M. Ayub, and I look forward to future business! - Maria D, Merriam, KS USA To M. Ayub, today I received the jewelry box I ordered as a Christmas present for my mother-in-law. How I wish I could personally thank you for such a beautiful piece! To all the artists, thank you for your marvelous works... and for this opportunity to decorate our home with such unique pieces-- and for allowing us to give our friends and loved ones presents they truly appreciate and value. Thank you! Thank you! - I. Phillips, Texas, USA Mr. Ayub, Thank you so much for the beautiful jewelry box. I liked it so much I ordered another as a gift for my mother's birthday. Thanks again! -Rebekah Bennett - Rebekah B, Seward Alaska USA I purchased your Elephant Forest jewelry box for my wife. Both of us are very pleased with it. You do beautiful work. Thank you. - Fred A I have purchased two jewelry boxes from M. Ayub and I must say that his work is of the highest caliber. Both pieces carefully crafted and reflect his years of experience. I highly recommend this artist and I know that you will be more than satisfied with your purchase. His work is simply breathtaking and both recipients of my gifts absolutely LOVE them. They arrive beautifully gift-wrapped with a personal message from M. Ayub himself. I'm sure the recipients will get a lifetime of enjoyment from them. Thanks again! - Eric F, Orlando, FL USA I bought "Forest Fauna" jewelry box as a surprise for my wife; Fiona's Birthday. I just wanted to let you know that she absolutely loved it. You're probably aware how difficult it can be to find a "special" present sometimes- the box was obviously put together and carved with a lot of care and attention to detail. I just wanted you to know how much this is appreciated, and how impressed we are with your artwork. Thank you also for your note- it was a thoughtful gesture. - Brian B, Dublin, Ireland Delighted with the amazing craftsmanship of this wonderful jewelry box! I will treasure this box for years. - AH K, Venice, California, USA I just wanted to write to thank Novica and Mr Ayub for a beautiful Jewellery Box and wonderful service. I ordered my gift on a Tuesday and it arrived direct from India by the following Monday, beautifully wrapped and with a personal hand written note from Mr Ayub himself. The box itself is exquisite. The workmanship and artistic talent needed to make such a piece has to be seen to be believed. Thank you once again for such great service and especially for such a wonderful piece of art, Mr Ayub. - Gordon A, Scotland My "Camel Caravan" box is already a cherished heirloom. We are using it as part of our Christmas celebration. The three camels represent the 'wise men' camels in the Nativity story. On each of the 12 days before Christmas, the children put in a 'gift' for Jesus (a good deed they did). And on the last day they get a "gift" from Jesus (hidden in the 'secret compartment' below. I'm SURE this is not what Mr. Ayub had in mind when he designed it, but it works perfectly for our tradition. Just thought I'd share (in case someone else is looking for a Christ-centered holiday tradition). Oh, and the quality of the box is even better than the photo. And to open it you slide a wood panel (VERY cool, and this feature makes the box seem even more 'exotic'). As a side not, the packaging itself was incredible. I hesitated to open it. And he included an adorable hand-carved frog. Thank You Mr. Ayub - I hope to order another of your beautiful boxes in the near future. - Stacey W, San Jose, California, USA What more can I add that hasn't already been written about M. Ayub's work? It is fantastic, a Christmas present for my wife that I may struggle to match next year! The jewellery box was delivered much faster than the purchase conformation email said it would be and it was beautifully wrapped, the only thing that surprised me more was the amazing quality of the work. Thank you so much for the time and effort that you put into this piece, you are a man of rare talent. - Mark J I just received two jewelry boxes which were made by Mr. Ayub and they might as well be the two most beautiful things that I have ever bought. Items are skillfully crafted, even prettier than on pictures and nicely wrapped. Genuine pieces of art, a real treat. - Monika G, New York, NY. USA I just received my boxes and they are beautiful! The smoothness of the wood and the fine details of the carving are amazing. The pictures just don't do these incredible works of art justice. I will definitely be ordering more of these in the future. Thank you so much and best wishes to you! - Sherry R, TX, USA My mother purchased one of M. Ayub's walnut boxes for me as a gift, and it is absolutely beautiful. The workmanship is incredible, and I will be proud to display his work for years to come. - C. Ernst, New Hampshire I love my walnut wood jewelry box. It is not only beautiful but also demonstrates a kind of value - craftsmanship, quality, distinctiveness - to treasure for many years. Mr Ayub's work is highly regarded in my house. - Lorena S, UK