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Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije Fish Sculpture from Mexico, "Fish Handstand"

Product ID: 339006

Hand-carved of copal wood, a beautiful fish performs a "handstand" on its front fins, bringing the elegance of Mexican folk art to your... more

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Hand-carved of copal wood, a beautiful fish performs a "handstand" on its front fins, bringing the elegance of Mexican folk art to your home. Artisan duo Pablo and Lucy Mendez craft the stunning alebrije sculpture, diligently hand-painting the fish with intricate motifs in tones of blue and yellow.

Alebrijes are a fairly recent Mexican art form, attributed to Pedro Linares. Unconscious due to illness in 1936, he was presumed near death and yet his dreams were extremely vivid. He tells of a place where all was peaceful and quiet until all of a sudden there appeared a lion with an eagle's head, a rooster with bull's horns and a donkey with butterfly wings. They kept screeching "alebrije, alebrije!" and Pedro began running away. He encountered a man who told him it was not yet his time to be there are and he should continue running towards the exit. In this dream Pedro climbed out of a window and regained consciousness.

  • 0.10 kgs
  • 0.2 lbs
  • 14.2 cm H x 6.4 cm W x 12.3 cm D
  • 5.5" H x 2.5" W x 4.8" D

  • Copal wood
  • Hand-crafted item -- colour, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Signed by the artist
  • Made in Mexico
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Mexicoicon info
  • Product ID: 339006
  • Price includes VAT.
  • We will also cover duty and any import fees for items shipped from outside the United Kingdom.
Pablo and Lucy Mendez
Pablo and Lucy Mendez

Mexico

Traditional handcrafted Mexican alebrije figures

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

78

Lorraine

Verified Reviewer

Feb 07, 2025

Curiosity Purple Cat”

This beautiful cat is in my curio cabinet. Every time I pass by it, this cat puts a smile on my face. Its very well made and arrived on time and well packaged. Thanks to the makers of this wonderful piece of art. Glad I purchased this item.

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Susanne

Verified Reviewer

Dec 12, 2024

Adorable deer!”

This cute deer is so well made. Exactly what I was looking for!

Purchased Item Running Grace, Wood Deer Alebrije From San Martin Tilcajete Oaxaca

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Angela

Verified Reviewer

Oct 21, 2024

This is now a cherished addition to my sister s ofrenda”

My sister s fur baby of 12 years passed just before Día de Los Muertos last year. This gatito is in his memory.

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NOVICA Recognized Master

Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Profound Impact

Profound Impact

Pablo’s profits from the alebrij sculptures he creates for NOVICA allow him to create and financially support a healthy life for his wife and two children.

Job Creator

Job Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Empowering Women

Empowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Enabling Education

Enabling Education

Lucy's income allows her to provide a necessary basic education to their children in their home.

Moving On Up

Moving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Caring for Children

Caring for Children

Lucy financially supports their two children.

Customer & Stylist Suggestions

Meet the Artist
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