gifts for nature lovers

Simply adorable, this owl sculpture from Thailand invites admiration. Jaifah Aksornsri carves the sculpture by hand with precise openwork. She expertly preserves the natural grain of rain tree wood as she sculpts the feathery image perched on a black stand.

This colorful jungle cockatoo takes a break after soaring through the skies at first light. Cesar Gonzales sculpts the bird's exotic plumage from serpentine, sodalite, black onyx and red jasper. The cockatoo is perched on a calcite tree with bronze claws.

In an expression of familial love, a mother caresses her daughter in this sculpture by Balinese artisans. Eka presents the emotional sculpture, diligently realized by hand in natural suar wood.

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.

A wary species, the pintail duck can migrate thousands of miles every year. Nengah Sudarsana sculpts this beautiful bird from Balinese albesia wood, capturing its natural elegance. Painted by hand, the colors are applied in three luminous layers for a lifelike statuette.

A wary species, the pintail duck can migrate thousands of miles every year. Nengah Sudarsana sculpts this beautiful bird from Balinese albesia wood, capturing its natural elegance. Painted by hand, the colors are applied in three luminous layers for a lifelike statuette.

A mighty elephant lifts his trunk in fury, thrusting powerful tusks upward. Carved in intricate jali, or openwork, he reveals two perfect miniature elephants inside. Gulam Rasool masterfully sculpts the elegant pachyderms of natural soapstone.

Robert Lanyo honors Mother Nature with a cheerful creation that celebrates the gifts this prosperous planet offers to humankind. Working with sese wood, the Ghanaian artist creates a fruit-themed sculpture, giving special attention to each piece. After finishing the woodworking process, the artisan paints each fruit by hand, using a palette of warm and vibrant colors for a merry touch.

Perfect for animal lovers and bird enthusiasts alike, this stunning sculpture depicts a lifelike female mallard swimming gracefully. "From an early age I loved natural things – plants, animals, birds or sea life... I particularly want to create wildlife and other animal themes in an exact, realistic and original way," Nengah Suarsana explains. He hand-carves the delightful duck from albesia wood, which he then paints by hand in amazing detail.

A gorgeous angel descends from heaven to spend a peaceful moment around spring's flowers, conveying a message of love for nature. Made entirely from ceramic, Anush and Karo's newest sculpture is a whimsical homage to this thriving world that has nurtured humans like a kind mother. The artwork, painted by hand in Armenia, can also serve as a candleholder, adding a mystical vibe to the little details.

Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo finds inspiration in the art and customs of the Hiaga clan of southern Ghana. Her modern design replicates the Hia or "Wonderful" lovers sculpture. Couples have this sculpture placed on their bed the first night after their traditional wedding by both mother in-laws. "Rich with folklore, ritualism and unity, there cannot be any misunderstanding between lovers after possessing this sculpture," Ahianyo believes.

"My inspiration for this piece mainly comes from my roots and my pride in Africa. The calabash and the world have a spherical shape and it means home. The world is the only home for mankind and other living things. The hands holding the earth on the calabash represent the hands of the individuals on this earth; they are the earth's hands. These hands mean knowing to be practical, logical and grounded. We are the rulers of this world and must act meaningfully to preserve what we live in. The dove with the leaf signifies peace, freedom and love depicting that we must love one another and act as messengers in sharing peace for unity. The beads of few nations around the calabash represent the countries in the world, that since we occupy our home we must see each other as one people by stopping racism. Living together harmoniously like the stars at night. Finally, world peace simply means that humans should be as the sun and the moon that live peacefully in the sky and rely on one another," says Ghana's Eliasu Adams about his intention for this sculpture. After painting a dove over a yellow background with hands holding the world, the artisan adds recycled glass beads and a steel stand to display the sculpture in all its beauty.