quirky home decor

Carved of copal wood, a watchful fox is depicted in this charming alebrije figurine. Mexican duo Zeny and Reyna design this figurine, which is hand-painted with metallic motifs over its stark black body. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

This triangular barro negro pencil holder is handcrafted by artisan Anakarem of Oaxaca, who works as a team with his father. Barro negro, literally translated as "black mud," is a type of pottery from clay only found in Oaxaca, Mexico, and crafted using traditional methods. The black color comes from the clay itself, enhanced during the firing process. This pencil holder has two quarter flowers on a diagonal on each side made through a combination of embossing and decorative cutouts.

Graciela Orozco works in ceramic to depict a sturdy black boot of the kind children wore to school a hundred years ago. She masterfully captures the details such as stitching across the toe, the thick sole, the worn leather and untied shoelaces. Pretty enough to display on its own, it van also be used to hold a small potted plant, however it does not provide for drainage.

Togog Suyasa's whimsical pair of giraffe statuettes will bring an unexpected element to your home decor. The Balinese artisan hand carves each statuette from albesia wood before painting the pair in a spotted motif. Polyester cords connect their hinged limbs, allowing them to rotate.

Never fear; Togog Suyasa's sleek black cat statuette will only bring you luck. The Balinese artisan hand carves the statuette from albesia wood before painting the feline black with a distressed finish. Polyester cords connect her hinged limbs, allowing them to rotate.