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Liz
CPA; love animals, love to take photos, avid reader

"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."
I purchased two of the walnut dragon boxes for my parents from artist M. Ayub. The pieces arrived quickly, were beautifully wrapped and are EXQUISITE! The workmanship and quality are superb! These pieces are proudly displayed in their home and will bring them many years of happiness. Thank you M. Ayub for providing such amazing work.
Ginny
Charlotte, NC
I ordered the Floral Dance secret box. It arrived super fast! (thanks expedited shipping!). The box is BREATHTAKING! I was nervous ordering site unseen, but I can assure you that M. Ayub's work is superb! I'm looking at the box right now and I can tell you that there are no words! It's Beauty, Joy, Love and Art all in one surreal package! If you're considering it, DO IT, you won't be sorry!
Brian
Chicago IL (well, Oak Park IL really ;-) )
The Bracelet I purchased is a Birthday gift. Your Craftsmanship is unique over all. I commend you. Every one loved it when produced from the elegant box.
Southern Pines NC, USA
I ordered the Diamond Blossom jewelry box for my wife as a Christmas gift. I received it today and I must say that it is gorgeous. The relief carving is stunning, the construction is solid, and the polished unvarnished walnut is glowing and fragrant. I will definitely purchase more items from this artist.
Thank you so much!! I purchased a jewelry box from this artist and it is one of the most beautiful things that I own...it's worth every penny. The wood is durable and of excellent quality, and the engravings are just spellbinding. I have absolutely nothing to complain about, and I will definitely purchase from this artist again. Again, thank you so, so much for taking so much care with your art.
Phoenix, AZ US
I have purchased the elephant carved walnut box from Mr. Ayub, the craftsmanship, detail and beauty can not be compared to any other craftsman work. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a true piece of art. I plan to continue to support this artist with purchases in the future. Thank you Novica and National Geographic for bringing this art to the world. All my purchases have been perfect.
Illinois
I received the Hummingbird Tree box last week and it is beautiful the work is so detailed and intricate, I really like the way it has a "secret" opening . Thank You so much for all your long hours of work Mr. Ayub. I certainly will enjoy my box and pass it on to my daughter some day. I hope to order another one before long I know it will make a wonderful gift. Many Thanks, L. Taylor
I have purchased two of these boxes in the last year. I've used them to purpose to my fiance last fall and again when I marry her this fall. She absolutely loves this box and the small puzzle to open it. You helped make that day very special. thank you
Independence / Missouri / USA
Received my hummingbird jewellry box far quicker than I expected and it was such a lovely surprise! It is even more beautiful in real life, thank you.

I bought the "Chirping birds of Summer" jewelry box and it is even more exquisite in person. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are amazing and the piece came in a more than reasonable amount of time. It's now one of my prized possessions, and I plan on acquiring another simply because I am yet to find anything that even close to this standard. I truly do appreciate the effort and time that's dedicated to creating these pieces. Art like this is fading from the world's culture and I'm so happy to support it and own a piece of it.
Philadelphia / Pennsylvania / USA
I want to thank you so very much on your Beautiful Craftsmanship !!!!!!! More then to advertising image allowed.
It arrived in the mail as expected. On time and most grateful.
I will definitely purchase another .
Thank you Mr. Ayub.
Southern Pines NC, USA
A search for puzzle boxes led me to this artist. I adore the exquisite craftsmanship of his artistically detailed jewelry boxes - especially the ones with the secret panel. Friends and Family are first drawn to the unique wooden box by sight but once held in their hands they are amazed when trying to figure out it's secret. I have bought two from this same artist and hope to purchase more in the future. Each design is a work of art that captivates a nature lover like me.
Thank you!
I just received an "Ivy Fantasy" box.
The workmanship is really wonderful,and the design exceptionally executed. A great product by a great artisan.
The pictures do not do these boxes justice! Receiving this first box makes me want to order more because they are so beautiful! Thanks!
Kansas, USA
I just received the jewelry box I purchased for my wife as a Christmas gift. It is so beautiful! I could not be more pleased with it. The photos did not do it justice. Thank you so very much Mr. Ayub.
Sincerely, tom snow