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The painstaking folk art of carved cinnabar has been practiced in China since 1600 b.c. These boxes begin with simple wooden forms that are coated in lacquer as many as 30 times to form a thick surface. Skilled artisans then carefully carve intricate designs of birds and symbols of good fortune. The pair is excellent for giving and storing keepsakes and jewelry. Handmade in Beijing. Approximately 2"W x 2"L x 1 1/2"H. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic carved cinnabar boxes...

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These ornate cinnabar bracelets are reminiscent of those once popular in the imperial court of China. An ancient art form, the creation and carving of these lacquer bracelets is an intensive process requiring much artistic skill and patience. The wooden forms are dipped in layer upon layer of lacquer and allowed to dry. The artisans then hand-carve the intricate dragon and flower designs. Handmade in China. Each is 3 1/3'' diameter. Large bangle is 2''W. Small is 1''W. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic carved chinese cinnab...

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Considered a gift from Pachamama, the goddess of fertility, good fortune, and nature, rich blue-green Peruvian opal has been used by native Inca in ritual and jewelry for millennia. Today a group of artisans, led by jeweler Tiberio Gonzales, uses this ancient material—still revered by Quechua Indians, descendants of the Inca—to craft versatile accessories with a deep connection to the past and to Mother Earth. Each stone bears the unique marks of the earth in which it was formed and will therefore vary in color from light shades of sky blue to darker turquoise. Each is traced with a sterling silver bezel, believed in Peruvian mythology to be the tears of the moon. Handmade in Peru. Bracelet is 7 1/2''L. Earrings are 1''L. All measurements are approximate. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic peruvian pachamama op...

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Considered a gift from Pachamama, the goddess of fertility, good fortune, and nature, rich blue-green Peruvian opal was used by native Inca in ritual and jewelry for millennia. Today a group of artisans uses this ancient material—still revered by Quechua Indians, descendants of the Inca—to craft versatile accessories with a deep connection to the past and to Mother Earth. Each stone bears the unique marks of the earth in which it was formed and will therefore vary in color from light shades of sky blue to darker turquoise. Each is traced with a sterling silver bezel, believed in Peruvian mythology to be the tears of the moon. Handmade in Peru. Necklace is 16 1/2''L and pendant is 1''W. All measurements are approximate. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic peruvian pachamama op...

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Graced with patterns unique to India's mehndi tradition, this shirt is soft, lightweight, and versatile. A celebrated part of Indian folk art and culture, the intricate mehndi patterns are created by applying henna to the skin and are traditionally found decorating the hands and feet of brides before their wedding ceremony. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex for breathability and comfort. 3/4-length sleeves. Machine wash. Made in India.

Women's sizes S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14), XL (16-18). added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic indian lapis and lave...

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Images of gentle perched birds are captured in these reverse-painted glass coasters, created using a 15th-century technique. Painted in layers—details first, background last—on the back of a piece of glass, the image is then framed in gilded wood. Peruvian artisans emulated the painting style found on mirrors and other colonial Spanish objects, and the style evolved until it became recognized as a local tradition. These coasters, hand-painted by craftsman Gelacio Girón Fernández, are a gorgeous functional example of a traditional art form. Handmade in Peru. Approximately 4

the national geographic peruvian reverse-pain...

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Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, when families gather to celebrate with lanterns, fireworks, and candles. In India's rural Kutch and Gujarat states, Diwali decorations often incorporate tiny slivers of mirror that cast glittering reflections. These traditional Diwali votives begin with lac&$151;a resin that Gujarati women gather from trees and mold like clay. Before the lac hardens, beads and hand-cut mirrors are pressed into its surface. Replaceable tea-light candles included. Set of four. Handmade in India. 1 1/2

the national geographic festival of lights mi...

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Indonesian artisans traded beads with Europe during the days of the Roman Empire, and the island's unique beadwork style has evolved over the centuries. Inspired by Java's tropical flora and exquisitely beaded formal sarongs, artisans tap into these beading traditions to create this set of ten stretchy, sequined rings in every hue of the rainbow. There is a different ring for every day and mood, or you can share with friends and family. Hand-beaded in Indonesia on comfortable elastic. Colors will vary. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic javanese flora beaded...

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Nomadic Himalayan tribes wore their wealth in the form of jewelry—often turquoise, called gyu in Tibetan—that could be easily carried and exchanged. So highly regarded is turquoise in Tibetan culture that the blue of the sky is referred to as ''the turquoise of heaven.'' Using faux versions of turquoise and amber, Tibetan refugees living in India create this substantial and bold jewelry in a Mongolian-influenced but modern style. Necklace is 18

the national geographic tibetan blue sky jewe...

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In many Eastern cultures, such as the Hindu villages of Rajasthan in northern India, the crowing rooster is thought to guard against evil spirits. This engaging folk art pillow is handmade in Barmer, Rajasthan, using colorful fabric remnants and centuries-old quilting techniques of appliqué and patchwork. Its protective charm is an eye-catching addition to any decor. Cotton case with poly pillow insert. As each handmade pillow is unique, please accept variation in pattern and color. Approximately 18'' square. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic rajasthani elephant a...

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Reminiscent of the ornate boxes used by Mughal maharanis to hold their jewels, these miniature catchalls are crafted from brass, copper, horn, wood, and bone. They make excellent gift boxes for presenting special pieces of jewelry and add a touch of exotic craftsmanship to your desk or dresser. Approximately 1 1/2–2''W. Set of 3. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic store set of three in...

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Exclusively from National Geographic, this survivor from the age of the dinosaurs is one of the greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century. The Wollemi pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species, belonging to a 200-million-year-old plant family thought to have been extinct for more than two million years. Previously known only from fossil records, it was presumed extinct until a single tree was found in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, in 1994. Subsequent research discovered 100 adult trees that have survived in a single canyon in this wild and rugged area. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic wollemi pine...

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A sacred tree in Asia, the ginkgo biloba species has survived on our planet for approximately 270 million years and is a symbol of long life and memory. Extremely hardy and resilient with an unusual chemistry that is often studied for its medicinal benefits, it is thought to be a memory enhancer and antioxidant. It is a living fossil, one of the most ancient trees known to humans, and when cultivated it can survive for 1,000 years or more. A wonderful way to celebrate milestones such as births and marriages, this unique gift kit includes everything you need to successfully start and grow a ginkgo, along with an aluminum tag to place a personalized inscription on the tree. Often planted ceremonially in memory of loved ones, this tree may very well shade your family for centuries to come. Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9. Can grow up to 20 feet tall in ten years.
added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic ginkgo tree-to-be ki...

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Inscribed with one of the most significant mantras in Buddhism—Om mani padme hum—this handcrafted chime is created by Tibetan refugees residing in northern India. Buddhists believe that saying this mantra, or even viewing it in its written form, invokes the blessings of the Buddha of Compassion. Cast from a combination of metals, the hand-tuned chime produces a clear tone when struck. Features brass stand with cloud motif and wooden base and striker. 5'' W x 8 1/2 ''H x 5 '' D added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic tibetan chime of comp...

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Often featured in traditional Mughal-era miniature paintings, circular silver earrings have been popular throughout northern India for centuries. Designs featuring forward-facing hoops were especially favored by Rajasthani aristocracy from the 17th through the 19th century. Reminiscent of the tail of the Indian national bird, the peacock, these traditional sterling silver earrings feature gleaming faceted garnets and cultured freshwater pearls that dangle lightly below the hoop. Handmade by artisans in India. Approximately 2 1/2''L. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic indian pearl and garn...

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This impressive Chinese jade pendant is a traditional piece of jewelry reflecting the long-established use of symbols in China's culture. Elegantly hard-carved by master artisans, the pendant is composed of carvings of two coins representing security and prosperity, which are encircled on both the top and bottom by a traditional design. Pendant hangs from silk cording. Adjustable 16''L cord. Pendant is 2'' diameter. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic jade prosperity neckl...

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Ornate, hand-painted wooden masks are used in traditional Chinese opera to reenact myths and legends. This mask depicts a dedicated officer who guarded a Tang dynasty emperor's bedroom chamber against evil spirits. Hand-carved in the Di style unique to Guizhou province by members of the Miao tribe. Comes ready to hang. As each is unique, please expect subtle variation. 10''W x 12''H x 4''D. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic chinese opera mask...

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Artisans in La Paz, Bolivia, chose the rich shades of rustic alpaca wool in this scarf to serve as a reminder of the Altiplano's summer colors during the cold Andean winters. Alpaca wool was once reserved exclusively for Inca royalty, but over the centuries the soft, lightweight, and antistatic, superfine fibers have become a staple of Andean textile tradition. Handwoven of 100% alpaca on simple looms in a contemporary plaid with hand-twisted fringe. Hand-wash or dry clean. Handwoven by artisans in Bolivia. 11 3/4''W x 70''L. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic alpaca altiplano scar...

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Framed by rustic, hand-tooled leather, this practical traveler's briefcase expresses your cultural appreciation as it highlights an authentic piece of textile tradition. The central design is a one-of-a-kind manta, which is a handwoven woolen textile that has been used in the Andes since pre-Columbian times, most commonly as a garment or blanket. The roomy interior accommodates a laptop and files, and individual pockets under the secure buckles hold a cell phone and other small items. As each manta is unique, please accept variation in color and pattern. Adjustable shoulder strap. Made by artisans in Bolivia. 15 1/2''W x 11 1/2

the national geographic bolivian manta tapest...

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Using a centuries-old technique, Bolivian families weave mantas—beautiful woolen textiles in geometric patterns—for use as bedding and apparel. Today, artisans take pieces of vintage mantas and frame them in soft suede and durable leather to create these beautiful totes. Features zip closure and roomy interior compartment with cell phone and sunglasses pockets. As each manta is unique, please expect some variation in color and pattern. Available in Red, Brown and Goldenrod. Handmade in Bolivia. Handles are 15 1/2'' long. 14''W x 11 3/4''L x 3 1/2''D. added on 2007-10-02

the national geographic bolivian tapestry sue...

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