World of NOVICA

Ceramic mobile, 'Conch and Friends'

Extraordinary beings flashing an array of bright colors bring life to this marine fantasy. Toribio Huaraca creates this splendid mobile, crafting each conch, starfish, and seahorse of ceramic.

Money bank, 'Dragon Guard' $70.

A fierce guardian stands atop a hill caring for treasures past and present. The dragon is of European origin and features large wings and a tail that seems to end in a blaze of fire. Designed and crafted by Lamduan Chaiwan, the dragon is modeled from a sawdust paste and painted by hand. It stands perched upon a coconut shell.

Silver and bronze sculpture, 'Three Monkeys' $120.

Cast in bronze and bathed in silver, three stylized monkeys assume lithe poses. Sukaenah sculpts the simian portraits with classic Indonesian style. The trio is showcased in a hardwood shadow box. .925 rating silver. This hand-crafted product may present miniscule pores that are imprinted from the casting process.

Alpaca wool finger puppets, 'Jungle Fantasy' (set of 5) $25.

Jungle creatures make for fascinating characters in tales of fantasy and myth. Virginia Apaza Ticona transforms them into admirable finger puppets to entertain young children. Knit from wool, the set includes a turtle, a lion and a monkey with its babe; a giraffe and a duck with its tiny duckling.

Lacquer statuette, 'Emotional Iguana' $49.

Climbing deliberately, an iguana clasps the rough terrain with strong toes as he wends his way toward the sun. Lamduan Chaiwan sculpts the lizard in exquisite detail, from its spiky spine and reptilian eyes to its delicate scales. She first sieves dry sawdust to obtain very fine particles and moistens them with water and white glue. After kneading it to a homogenous paste, and she models the sculpture with hand tools. A coat of black paint is applied before the colorful details are added. Chaiwan finishes the piece with a protective coat of lacquer and mounts it on a piece of natural pine driftwood. Because each figure is individually crafted, each one is unique. The posture and colors will be similar to that pictured, but no two pieces will be alike.

Celadon ceramic box, 'Mythic Fish' $35.

Like mythological creatures from ancient tales, bright orange fish swim amid an underwater garden in this exclusive celadon jar. Hand-crafted by Thatsanee and Ramphan, the lidded jar is a testimony to celadon's versatile artistry.

Celadon ceramic statuette, 'Miniature Donkey'

Curled comfortably in the grass, this charming donkey awaits his dinner. The hardworking animal is highly prized in most parts of the world. Thatsanee and Ramphan sculpt a celadon ceramic figurine in exquisite detail.

Ceramic statuette, 'The Three-Headed Elephant' $123.

Bedecked in lavish silks, a royal white elephant shows the three-headed elephant called Erawan on its headgear; Erawan is the vehicle of the god Indra. Thatsanee and Ramphan depict a traditional symbol of Thai royalty in an exquisitely-detailed figurine.

Candle, 'Elephant Ride' $30.

A mahout rides his charge through dense rainforest, accompanied by excited visitors. In Thailand's elephant camps, these visitors can experience the magnificent animals close up and can even ride on their strong backs. Elephants are an important part of Thai culture and the Thai way of life; they have always been a symbol of both power and peace. Chaiyong Prasertpan brilliantly portrays the scene on a decorative candle. He first researches his subject, because each of his candles is based on legends, stories or ancient art. After making a detailed sketch, he sculpts the piece in oily clay mixed with beeswax; from this model he casts a silicone mold, which he fills with molten wax and pigments. Because the colors may fade over time, Prasertpan recommends the candle be lit within one month after purchase.

Ceramic statuettes, 'Monkey Music' (set of 3) $119.

A band of mystical musicians charms their path with tunes ancient and dear. Kittikorn designs this simian band in the tradition of Sawankaloke's ceramic artistry. The band consists of a drummer, a flautist and a guitarist, all dressed in traditional garb with a flower on their backs. Each hand painted statuette is given a glazed finish.

Incense sticks and dish, 'Lavender Rose' (2 box sets) $25.

Lavender's discreet sweet aroma will bring calm and relaxation in the form of these scented incense sticks. A turtle, image of unperturbed serenity, comes along on a lotus petal - an ideal incense holder. Sirinart Bongkotmas prepares each stick from bamboo and sawdust, as well as the desired aromatic materials. She then presents the set in elegant saa paper boxes, each holding 40 incense sticks.

Soapstone sculpture, 'Night Hunter' $23.

Expressed in polished soapstone, sleek feathers and tufted horns show the material's fascinating grain. Gulam Rasool sculpts a wise and patient bird, monarch of the night. Bright eyes and strong talons are a reminder that the owl is a hunter.

Wood bookends, 'Golden Colt' (small) $38.

A prancing colt in leather harness carries the reader off to story land. Surapon sculpts the leggy adolescent from rain tree wood, realistically capturing the young horse's beauty. Meticulously painted by hand, the spirited steed becomes a pair of bookends.

Wood bookends, 'Speak No Evil Monkey' (pair) $57.

Crouching with watchful bright eyes, a pair of monkeys clasp their hands tightly across their mouths. Nyoman Karsa realistically portrays the intelligent primates, detailing their long-toed feet and prehensile tails. He sculpts them from Balinese suar wood and puts them to work as bookends.

Brass bell, 'Hanuman, Monkey Warrior' $25.

With a cry of triumph, Hanuman tops a smooth brass bell by Pah. Born of a monkey queen and the wind god, Hanuman is an important character from the Ramakian, the Thai epic adapted from the Ramayana. It relates a classic tale of good versus evil. In it, the lovely Princess Sita is abducted by the ogre king and subsequently rescued by Hanuman and his simian army.

Soapstone candleholders, 'Purple Terrapins' (pair) $35.

Carrying tea lights in their rounded shells, two purple terrapins (turtles) are cheerful figures. Kuldeep Sirohi carves whimsical candleholders from soapstone, revealing its intriguing colors. He details the face, feet and shell motifs in low relief.

Cedar and papier mache bookends, 'Beagle' (pair) $118.

Smiling a doggy smile, two happy beagles stand guard over beloved books. Fernando Ferrera fashions the figures from papier mach� and paints them by hand. They recline on a cedar wood base.

Cedar toy, 'Hunting Hound Dog' $48.

A hound dog goes hunting with its nose pressed to the ground as he tracks an elusive scent. Rafael and Maria Ricalde craft the toy of cedar wood, with jointed front paws that move with the wheels. "It's important to let children learn the different forms of movement that animals have," the artisans say.

Celadon statuette, 'Trumpeting Elephant' $83.

Lifting his trunk, an elephant trumpets joyfully. Sorapon Dhupagupta sculpts this exquisite figurine in celadon ceramic, its crackled surface emulating the pachyderm's wrinkled skin. He achieves great realism in the shape of the body and facial expression. Once the mounts of kings and nobility, elephants have been integral to Thailand for millennia.

Celadon statuette, 'Majestic Blue Bird' $83.

Perched on a trunk, his long tail feathers cascade toward the ground. The exquisite creature inhabits an imaginary forest. Sorapon Dhupagupta molds a bird of majestic beauty and glazes it with blue celadon.

Celadon ceramic statuette, 'Elephant Power & Tranquility' $43.

Even while in repose, this elephant's enormous strength inspires awe. Highly revered because of their importance to monarchs and religious figures, elephants appear in many Thai proverbs and sayings. Painting celadon ceramics since adolescence, Thatsanee and Ramphan are experts in the traditional craft. They hope to pass their knowledge on to others to preserve the ancient secrets of this difficult skill.

Ceramic candleholders, 'Frog Wardens' (pair) $35.

Two loyal tiny frogs appear like vigilant sentinels guarding these candleholders. Finely detailed, they are crafted by hand of ceramic from Putu Oka Mahendra. In Bali, frogs are regarded as symbols of good luck and fertility, for they arrive along with the rains to ensure a good harvest.

'Please Forgive Me,' statuette. $108.

Ears pricked over big soulful eyes, this dog gazes nervously as if asking for forgiveness. Ketut Widen carves this statuette from suar wood, its natural grain well manipulated to capture the dog's contours and pose. Widen's meticulous care for detail results in a most faithful replica of life.

Sculpture, 'Crocodile Smile' $320.

Albert Ickenroth depicts a smiling alligator emerging from an egg. Cheerful and imaginative, the green gator is hand-painted in realistic green with sunny orange accents. Ickenroth works in a mixture of ceramic clay and resin.

Sculpture, 'Good Luck Frogs' $320.

Emerging from an egg, two frogs in rainbow colors are harbingers of good luck. Albert Ickenroth sculpts the whimsical pair in a mixture of ceramic clay and resin. Painted by hand, they seem to smile.

Wood and bamboo tapestry rod, 'Butterfly'

Ketut Kartika crafts a beautiful tapestry rod that hovers on butterfly wings. Working in Balinese sono, or black rosewood, he shapes the butterflies and adds rings of bamboo for contrast. "I hope you like this new design," he says. "I love to mix bamboo together with other woods." Ideal for tapestries up to 11.8in (30 cms) wide.

Sculpture, 'Froggie and Turtle' $329.

Shaded by a parasol, a flirtatious frog takes a ride on the back of a slow, deliberate turtle. Albert Ickenroth sculpts the whimsical couple with a clay and resin mix, exploring the individual personalities of both. The colorful amphibians are carefully painted by hand and finished with lacquer. The piece is part of a signed limited edition of 150.

Aluminum and glass centerpiece, 'Royal Blue Elephant' $68.

Cast in polished aluminum, a regal elephant in royal harness trumpets a greeting. Adorning the base of a centerpiece, it is intricately detailed. The design by Rajendra features a sky blue bowl of crackled glass with an ornate rim.

Wood bookends, 'Guardian Monkeys' (pair) $95.

Two wary monkeys stand guard over books. Each grasps a jar of holy water with long simian fingers, ready to sprinkle holy water to aid mankind. Sculpted of suar wood, these bookends by Wayan Rendah depict beloved creatures in Balinese society. Honored for their role in saving Sita in the Ramayana, they are welcomed in temples even though they sometimes disrupt ceremonies with their antics.

Ceramic candleholders, 'Happy Elephants' (pair) $38.

Seeming to smile, elephants trumpet their good humor. Kittikorn works in ceramic to create a pair of happy pachyderms wearing regal silks and harnesses. They carry candle cups on their backs to illuminate any setting with Thai style.

Saa paper photo album, 'Bull Elephants' $40.

Proud bull (male) elephants with their long tusks adorn a photo album by Fongkham Lahpinta. Crafted by hand of richly textured saa (mulberry bark) paper, it closes by looping hemp cords around tamarind twigs. Its 14 pages display 112 4x6 inch snapshots.

Rice straw paper photo album, 'Butterfly Nature' $29.

A regal butterfly rests on kupu kupu leaves to safeguard the memories of happy and special moments. Sukma Sucipta designs this captivating photo album, which features pages made from rice straw paper. The album is bound through a coconut wood stick and features banana bark accents.

Saa paper photo albums, 'Snoozing Elephants' (pair) $29.

Showcased on a floral background, elephants settle down for a nap. Junior sprawls across his parent's ample body like a sleepy toddler. The relief figures adorn an enchanting photo album. Working with traditional saa or mulberry bark fiber adorned with natural petals, Fongkham Lahpinta crafts a pair of charming photo albums. Each one has 18 pages to display 72 photographs (4x6).

Soapstone sculpture, 'Elephant Secret' $65.

With wise eyes and a stately posture, an elephant strides proudly through the forest. Kuldeep Sirohi sculpts the lovely figure from soapstone, showcasing the natural colors of his material. Delicate details add to the beauty of this piece. Carved by hand in classic jali, or "open work" style, the figure holds a smaller elephant inside.

Teak sculpture, 'Majestic Elephant' $63.

Majestic in his size and bearing, an elephant raises his trunk to trumpet. The weathered hide hangs in wrinkles from the powerful spine, and tiny eyes reveal deep intelligence. Working in teak wood, Pramode Boontieng sculpts a realistic image. He pounds ebony seeds to obtain a dark dye, which he paints on the sculpture. After drying in the sun, the wood takes on a deep brown hue. The tusks are carved from ivory darabela wood.

Candle, 'Warm Family' $58.

Depicted in realistic relief, a family of elephants cavorts in the jungle. They grace an extraordinary candle, molded by hand. Elephants hold a revered place in Thailand. Their enormous size, yet seemingly gentle, sensitive natures and tremendous intelligence elicit fascination from Thai people. Crafted by Vatcharee Sritrakul, the candle features three wicks. It arrives in a gift box of saa (mulberry) paper.

Sandstone statuette, 'Guardian Lion with Flower' $39.

An image of courage and might, this lion guards with fierce determination in his eyes. Admired for their strength, lions are believed by the Balinese to protect the household. Thus they place statuettes at their entrances. This lion's image is carved from sandstone quarried at Ayung River by NOVICA�s featured carver, Wayan Kandiyasa. His talent is evidenced in the sublime detailing of the ferocious creature.

Celadon ceramic statuette, 'The Owl' $43.

Coolly resplendent in soft green tones, an owl overlooks his night kingdom. His ornate adornment lends him a noble regality, the stern ruler of an enchanted Thai forest. Painting celadon ceramics since adolescence, Thatsanee and Ramphan are experts in the traditional craft. They hope to pass their knowledge on to others to preserve the ancient secrets of this difficult skill.

Celadon ceramic candleholders, 'Spring Birds' (pair) $90.

At Thatsanee and Ramphan's ceramic studio, new artisan-apprentices learn to hand-paint traditional decorative scenes on pre-glazed celadon ceramics. The final piece is then re-fired to set the one-of-a-kind paintings. This set candleholders is lavishly decorated with spring flowers.

Wood statuette, 'Male Mallard' $93.

Ancestor of all domestic ducks, the mallard comes to life in this exquisite wood carving. Nengah Sudarsana captures the radiant color that distinguishes the male's plumage. The back feathers curl realistically, and the bird seems ready to take flight.

Ceramic figurine, 'Blue Capped Owl' $40.

The owl is a hunter, portrayed in smoky ceramic in the style of Chulucanas. Lulli Luca schapes the big bird of clay, depicting the sparkling eyes that see far into the night. Wearing a cap of blue, the figurine flaunts plumage in red and green.

Engraved brass art, 'Tukkar Tor, the Elephant Cat' $125.

Tukkar Tor lashes his tail and trumpets as he roams the Himmaphan forest of Hindu myth. Extremely strong and powerful, the animal boasts the body of a lion and the head of an elephant. Poonsak depicts the legendary creature with stunning details, working in brass framed in red cotton tree wood.

Wood stand, 'Faithful Bulldog' $280.

Standing alert, a bulldog keeps an eye out in case of trouble. The faithful mascot comes to life in warm suar wood, sculpted by as Made Mudana. Wrinkled face and feet, warm eyes and whiskers exquisitely portray the beloved pet; it functions as a decorative stand or small stool. Books not included.

Teak box, 'Logging Elephant' $50.

Plake Kijfuangfoo crafts a handsome box for keepsakes or jewelry. Presented on a stand, it resembles traveling chests from bygone days. An elephant is hard at work on the lid, in honor of the role played by pachyderms in Thailand's past logging industry. Kijfuangfoo sculpts the beautiful piece from prized teakwood; the elephant boasts bamboo tusks.

Celadon ceramic statuette, 'Javan Rhino' $29.

With its wrinkled skin and singular horn, the rhinoceros is one of nature's most unique animals. Thatsanee and Ramphan sculpt a celadon ceramic figurine in a call for conservation. The Javan Rhino is the rarest of the rhino species, surviving in only two known locations, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Pine mobile, 'Tropical Seagull' $33.

Soaring through the air with stately elegance, this seagull makes a fascinating mobile. A welcomed sight in many maritime shores, the tropical seagull can be distinguished by its pristine white feathers that turn into black towards the edge of its wings. Raul Vinelli carves this bird from local pinewood and uses enamel paints to characterize it. The seagull is suspended from nylon strings.

Wood bookends, 'Mountain Goats' $158.

Nyoman Karsa captures the majesty of the mountain goat in a pair of exquisite bookend sculptures. Carved from Balinese suar wood, the animals boast the long, curving horns of a mature male. Intelligent eyes gaze from the slender face that arises from a strong, powerful neck.

Saa paper photo album, 'Rain Forest Clan' $23.

Bathing together in a river, elephants enjoy their rain forest home. The elegant resin figurine graces the fascinating textures of handmade paper. Working with traditional saa or mulberry bark fiber adorned with natural petals, Fongkham Lahpinta crafts a lovely photo album. Its 18 pages display 72 photographs (4x6).

Sandstone statuette, 'Lion Home Guard' $48.

Its mane carried by the wind renders its face striking and ferocious, for this lion has the duty to ward off evil. Admired for its strength, the Balinese believe lions will protect their household and thus place statuettes at entrance. This lion's image is carved in sandstone quarried at Ayung River by NOVICA's featured carver, Wayan Kandiyasa. The sandstone's natural pigmentation serves well to confer an ephemeral appearance, while Kandiyasa's talent is evidenced in the sublime detailing of the ferocious creature.

Soapstone sculpture, 'Mother Elephant' $158.

Ruffled rosettes crown an elephant who wears the jingling harness of the royal stables. Carved in dainty jali, or openwork, her tummy reveals two perfect miniature elephants inside. Gulam Rasool masterfully sculpts the elegant pachyderms of natural soapstone.

Saa paper photo albums, 'Elephant Kin' (pair) $25.

Kinship unites the family group as mother, father and baby elephant cavort in the forest. The relief figures adorn an enchanting photo album. Working with traditional saa paper or mulberry bark fiber adorned with natural petals, Fongkham Lahpinta crafts a pair of charming photo albums. Each one has 18 pages to display 36 photographs (4x6).

Saa paper photo album, 'Elephant Calf' $20.

The cover of this truly elegant photo album is an inviting combination of plaid cotton and the rich texture of saa paper. Nikom crafts beautiful items with natural materials. This unique piece features an aluminum medallion embossed with an elephant calf, contrasting exquisitely with the deep and soft tones of the work. Embedded in the sheets of saa paper are natural cosmos leaves and petals. Each side of the eighteen pages has slots for one photo measuring 4 in x 6 in.

Celadon statuette, 'Majestic Jade Bird' $85.

Perched on a trunk, his long tail feathers cascade toward the ground. The exquisite creature inhabits an imaginary forest. Sorapon Dhupagupta molds a bird of majestic beauty and glazes it with green celadon.