Leather mirror, "Silver Hearts"

"We'd describe our work as a great artistic creation," Manolo and Lucho agree. "We've worked together since 1994, and find it a source of great personal satisfaction. We both strive to transmit beauty and our beoved Andean culture."

Manuel "Manolo" Morales Polar was born in Cuzco on May 25, 1945. His friend and colleague, Luis "Lucho" Donayre Ormeño was born in Ica on January 7, 1950. Both come from families with backgrounds in art.

On a trip to Spain to begin master's degrees, Manolo and Lucho brought Peruvian handicrafts with them as gifts. Later, they returned home at a time when Peru was suffering from serious economic difficulties. The men decided to set up their own workshop at home to create original handcrafted designs and provide steady work for several skilled artisans.

"Our work is distinguished by its design and fine finish," the colleagues explain. "We're challenged to do things very well, and to improve day by day – as people, and as artists."

Their work has been exhibited throughout Peru and in other countries. In the Feria Habitad in Venice (Italy), people were surprised to see South American furniture designs in a city known for many kinds of furniture. But Manolo and Lucho broke all preconceived ideas with their presentation combining a distinctive Peruvian look with the art of dedicated masters, all beautifully crafted by hand.

"We'd like our Novica friends to know that our designs are created and crafted with originality, beauty, quality and affection. They are made by artisans who really love their work," they say.