handmade gift

The essential contrast of black and white sparks the elegant ambiance of this chess set. White onyx and black marble make a polished expression of leisured dignity, as hand-carved pieces strike poses befitting of such a refined mental exercise. An exceptional gift for the chess aficionado, this set, handmade by the Sierra Family, ranks among our finest.

As each piece is sculpted individually with natural stones, there may exist slight variations in the color and grain pattern of the stone. The dimension of the pieces may also vary slightly, up to +/- 1/8 in (+/-2.5 mm).

Thick yarns add rich texture to this fascinating kente cloth shawl by Gobah Tengey-Seddoh. Strips of black, white and Delft blue make a dramatic and handsome color combination. Designed and woven of coarse local cotton in the 12th century, the lokpo pattern means "heavy or thick in texture."

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. However patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns where the warp design is hardly visible can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

The Sierra Family's marvelous talent with natural stone is evident in this beautiful bath accessory set. Crafted from black onyx, the set includes a toothbrush holder, a soap dish, a lidded jar and a pump dispenser for soap or lotion. The set makes a beautiful addition to a contemporary bathroom.

The ancient strength of stone attests to the challenges faced by the chess fan. Sculpted of richly-veined black and rose marble, this extraordinary chess set brings a touch of luxury to the game. It is a design by the Sierra Family of Mexico.

Lavish floral motifs on sleek black bring their own charisma to this jewelry box. Khalid Ali crafts the piece of mango wood, covering it in brass repoussé bathed in nickel. He lines the box with velvet and adds a lift out tray for smaller treasures. He then adds ornate handles, a mirror inside the lid, and a latch that can by locked.

Black and white define a clear-cut triumph as opponents take to the chessboard. The Sierra family crafts the chess set from natural onyx and marble, polished to perfection.

Because each piece is sculpted individually, there may be slight variations in the color and pattern of the stone.

Khalid Ali revisits the past with a jewelry box with the grace and charisma of an antique. It is carved of mango wood and painted before receiving a luxurious assortment of glass stones. These multicolored details surround delicately embossed images executed on nickel-plated brass. The box opens to reveal a velvet-lined interior, a mirror and a removable tray.

From the imagination and skilled hands of Ghanaian woodcarver Rita Addo Zakour comes this detailed wooden mask. Handcrafted of local sese wood with a satin finish and hand-hammered aluminum detailing. Zakour names her creation Ahoofie, from the Akan word for beauty. Comes with a leather tab for hanging.

Painstakingly embroidered over the course of three days at the hands of an artisan, this mini skirt takes on its unique character. The elaborate design features immense detail in each flower, bird and butterfly, with each consisting of meters of thread embroidered through a time-tested process. Artisan Anaychay incorporates Andean identity into this skirt, which is fashioned from acrylic in the style traditionally used for the Qashwa circle dance belonging to the indigenous Quechua-speaking people of Peru. Comfortable, thanks to its cotton blend inner lining, and adapted to daily life, this embroidered mini skirt brings the celebration to summer.

This elegant silk batik shawl is from Melati's Collection in Bali. The shawl is crafted of pure silk in a sunrise orange shade, with an all-over aster print in black. Long fringe in orange and black adorns both ends. The shawl arrives in a handsome gift box crafted of linen-covered wood with a suede accent and a silk lining.

Cream colored blossoms align precisely in a midnight garden. Asunta Pelaez hand-paints the motifs on the reverse side of glass panes, giving them a wonderful clarity. A traditional Cajamarca handicraft, the panes adorn a beautiful tray.

This face of solemn expression bears on its head the image of an elephant. For the Guro people of Cote d'Ivoire, this mask signifies strength and bravery. Guro masks are emblems of the spirits living in the underworld, which they worship and celebrate during special rituals and festivities. Salihu Ibrahim uses manual tools to carve this sese wood mask with the detailed care that characterizes Guro artistry.