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Crafted by hand, this jewelry box by Julio Sanchez is a superb example of a traditional Peruvian art. He works in mahogany and tornillo wood while beautifully tooled leather depicts sea waves from ancient iconography. The chest has ornate bronze handles on each side and a latch that can hold a petite padlock.
Julio undertook compulsory military service during the 1980s Peruvian war on terrorism. He was wounded but survived. Like others at that time, he confronted death daily and is still haunted by the violence he can't forget.
Treasured since colonial times, Peruvian leather work is a difficult and demanding art form. Characterized by high relief, it is a style requiring precision and years of practice. At age 12, under the tutelage of his uncle, a master craftsman, Julio began to study the art by learning to apply the final finish to his uncle's pieces. Seeing his love of the craft and his dedication, his uncle began to teach him leather tooling at age 16. To this day. Julio has never tired of his art. He continues to practice and perfect the art of Peruvian leather work, often training many of the artisans, past and present, employed by his workshop.
The patience that leather work demands has helped Julio to maintain his workshop. He is constantly training other artisans and encouraging them to move on by opening their own workshops. He provides steady employment to numerous artisans in his community.
Julio's Novica sales account for most of his income. These sales enable him to care for his family and provide the steady income he needs to maintain his workshop and employ other artisans.
Julio is deeply committed to the belief that children should have a better life than their parents. Even though his children are grown, he continues to pay for their university studies.
Julio is able to employ two people full-time. He is also able to give work to other artisans who work from their homes.
Hand-tooled wood and leather furniture and decor
"My art is a family heritage, handed down over generations of great masters in the art of tooled leather. I was fortunate to learn from one of them, and that has made me what I am today."
Catherine
Karen
Honolulu, Hawaii
