collectible decor

Reaching skyward, golden branches are silhouetted against the dark sky. Amporn's beautiful reliefe panel is carved from reclaimed teak and depicts a pipal tree, central to the Buddhist faith in Thailand.

The pipal is a variety of fig that grows in India. Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath such a tree, which then became known as a bodhi, or "enlightened" tree. Some of these trees in Thailand are said to derive from cuttings of the original bodhi.

Fascinated by Thailand's ancestral buildings, Pirot Gitikoon carves a faithful replica of a Buddhist temple, known as a vihara.. Carved of teak wood by hand, the miniature temple is intended to become a spirit house. According to custom, when people finish building their houses they create a san phra poom, or guardian spirit house. A Buddhist ceremony takes place to invite a protective spirit to inhabit the small house. It is believed it will bring luck, happiness, success and security against mean spirits or enemies who might threaten the family or their home.

Pirot Gitikoon shares Thai traditions with this hand-carved replica of a Buddhist temple, intended as a guardian spirit house or san phra poom. According to custom, when people finish building a house they include a spirit house to protect the family from evil spirits. Gitikoon carves this house by hand from quality teak wood. The gables feature eight heads shaped like Naga, the protective dragon. The bargeboards replicate Naga's scales, as well as swan tails. The swan is a mystical being from the Himaphan forest. A small pagoda adorns the rooftop; it is crowned with a lotus blossom.

In designing this traditional spirit house, Thai artisan Jaifah Aksornsri draws inspiration from the architectural styles of temples from the ancient Lanna kingdom. It is customary for people in Thailand to build a san phra poom, or "guardian spirit house" when they finish building their own house. A Buddhist ceremony takes place, inviting a protective spirit to live inside the small house. These spirit houses are believed to bring luck, happiness, success, and security to those within the home. Handcrafted from mango wood, red stairs lead to a spirit house that is given a bronze-tone finish with colorful mirrored glass accents.

Ketut Seji, wife of the late Balinese artisan Ketut Taram, preserves her husband's legacy in this carving of a seated Buddha. Buddha's head rests upon his hands, and a faint smile plays across his lips. The serene sculpture is carved and finished by hand, and signed by Ketut Seji.

This mesmerizing alabaster Buddha radiates peaceful serenity, his tranquil expression seeming to whisper ancient wisdom into any space it graces. Expertly carved by hand, the luminous head sculpture captures an essence of spiritual calm through delicately rendered facial features that appear to shift subtly in changing light. This figurine from Indian artisan Gulam Rasool creates a meditative presence that transforms ordinary rooms into sanctuaries of reflection.