library decor

Relaxed and poised, this tuxedo cat is alert to the world around it, smiling a friendly smile. Nengah Sudarsana hand-carves the endearing cat from albesia wood, painting it with expressive detail, including the eyes. This statuette is designed to rest on a bookshelf, a computer monitor, or on table.

Depicting a Balinese temple, this pair of bookends is created by Wayan Nuliati. She hand-carves the temple from two pieces of suar wood, featuring a stunning, intricate level of detail that displays the artisan's dedication. The bookends are crafted in the shape of Gapura, a special gate that only allows those of good spirit to enter.

Angel Cerón finds inspiration in the art and beliefs of the Olmeca people to replicate the sculpture of a jaguar holding a man standing on his head. "The original sculpture is from the middle pre-classic period of 1200-400 B.C. and was found in San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, Veracruz," explains the master ceramist. "The ancient Olmeca believed they were descendants of the union between a jaguar and a woman. The actual myth seems to have been lost in time, though many of their celebrations and artistry make reference to the jaguar, especially portraying people with feline facial characteristics including fangs. There used to be a considerable jaguar population in the same region where the Olmeca culture developed, so they regarded the feline as having some connection with their origin. They also believed it to represent both the world of th living, and the underworld," continues Cerón, who crafts the sculpture with yellow clay from the state of Oaxaca creating low and high relief accents and gives it an antiqued finish.

Handcrafted from brown leather, this four-cornered catchall is designed by Johnny Jimenez in Peru. Each side is stitched together with leather straps. At the catchall's center, an embossed square with curling lasso motifs is featured.

Vines of pink flowers are painted along the side of this vase from Thailand, resulting in a simple, yet striking design. Thatsanee and Ramphan craft the vase of ceramic, finishing it with a crackled green celadon glaze for a sophisticated addition to any home.

The dramatic scream captured in this mask's facial features demonstrates the fear elicited by the fierce dragon that comes to life on its hibiscus wood canvas in vivid colors. Balinese artisan Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya presents this fascinating work of art sure to elicit strong responses. The included brown keruing wood base leaves the mask ready for placement on a table or shelf.

Made Wirata presents an exquisite sculpture that celebrates a growing fondness of the heart. Warm suar wood is hand-carved into an abstract heart motif with the natural grain shining throughout. This modern Balinese sculpture rests easily on any desk or shelf, a reminder of loved ones.

Handcrafted from leather, this catchall from Peru is the work of Johnny Jimenez. An embossed pattern that evokes Gothic floral stained glass decorates the center.

Hand-carved of rich teak wood, an elephant extends its left legs in a walking posture. Thailand's Amporn presents the charming sculpture, working with local artisans who give it a finish that accentuates the wood's natural grain. The elephant's tusks are made of ivory wood and are removable.

The symbol for Libra is the scales, representing balance and harmony. This zodiac sign is the inspiration behind Eka's stunning relief panel expertly hand-carved from suar wood in Bali. This lovely tribute to the constellation of the fair, diplomatic and friendly will be the focal point of any space.

Striding purposefully across the savannah, proud elephants find a noble calling in the library. The hand-carved figures grace a beautiful pair of sese wood bookends by Francis Agbete.