best handbags

Batik techniques on cotton retell the legend of a majestic rooster owned by the king. This shoulder bag from Wahyu Sulistiani depicts the sawunggaling pattern from Central Java, which symbolizes the power and beauty of Javanese culture. Lined in black, the bag features golden beadwork accents and opens to reveal a convenient pocket.

Elephants trek across this jaunty messenger-style shoulder bag from Thailand's Russamee Thepphanakit. The tweed-like dark brown cotton bag features an adjustable strap, a back zipper pocket and a zipper closure under the flap. It is fully lined in black cotton and has one open pocket and one zipper pocket in the interior to keep small items organized.

A symbol of old Siam, elephants are a favorite in Thailand. This cheerful pachyderm is intended to bring good luck. Painted by hand, it adorns a generous front pocket on a cotton sling tote. By Jiap Rojjana, the bag is fully lined and an inner pocket with zipper keeps small items handy. Yellow cords and rain tree wood beads adorn the strap, and both the outer pocket and the purse close with coconut shell buttons.

Because each is an individual work of embroidery art, colors and motifs may vary slightly according to the artisan's inspiration.

Two colorful birds wing across this beautiful blue handbag from Wahyu Sulistiani. Created in batik on cotton, the sawunggaling motif depicts the king's favorite rooster, which is a symbol of Javanese beauty and power. Lavish beadwork is applied by hand, and the roomy tote — lined in black — opens to reveal a convenient inner pocket.

A colorful bird wings across this beautiful handbag from Wahyu Sulistiani. Created in batik on cotton, the sawunggaling motif depicts the king's favorite rooster, which is a symbol of Javanese beauty and power. Lavish beadwork is applied by hand, and the roomy bag opens to reveal a convenient inner pocket.

A sapphire peacock of golden wings and an emerald and sapphire tail is the proud national bird of India. It graces the cover of this handcrafted journal, whose back cover replicates an ancient postcard with a court stamp paper and immigration stamp. The screen printed images are bordered by olive green cotton, including the ribbon. From Asha Prabha, the journal features 48 pages of blank handmade paper.

Wendy Oviedo from Costa Rica designs and crafts this lovely passport holder whose leather exterior is printed with a playful sloth motif in subtle shades of beige, olive and brown. Inside, multiple compartments for your travel documents provide all the organization you need for your next trip.

One of the best ways to find peace is by traveling because you can discover wonderful places, new aspects of yourself and the tranquility of learning that your problems become small compared to the big, vast world. This is Peruvian artisan Kathiana Quispe's particular vision of what world peace means and she conveys it in this delightful leather passport cover that invites you to find your way to your next destination soon. Embellished with an acrylic Andean textile and the image of an introspective llama, the passport cover features two interior pockets to carry your documents safely.

Jose Arriola depicts six whimsical octopus ornaments in hand-painted terracotta. The charming set comes to life in bright colors as the undersea creatures adorn themselves with flowers. The ornaments arrive in a bag of colorful handwoven cotton.

Artisan Kathiana Quispe designs this passport holder to share her vision of world peace, for others to carry with them as they explore and better understand the world: "Peace is within, and one of the best ways to find it is by traveling," the artisan explains. "Traveling, you find yourself, discover new emotions, new corners, and the calmness that comes with the realization that the world is so big that your own problems become small."

The artist explains that llamas are positive, adaptable creatures known for their balance and action. They are also protectors, known to keep predators away from flocks and herds of smaller animals.

To Kathiana Quispe, the represent an image of a path to peace, as does the concept of a passport itself, increasing understanding and appreciations between far distant peoples.

Her dark brown leather passport design is enhanced with a handloomed Andean textile. The interior features a polyester lining, and pockets to secure a passport.