Emerald Blossoms Mango Wood Lacquered Box _artisan--novica-artisan-7911 Maasai women string the the

Maasai women string the the grass beads together with brilliant Czech crystals

Wayan Asmana crafts this intricate men's braided bracelet by hand - using strands of sterling silver

Regarded as the gem of spiritual wisdom

as evidenced by this luminous blue-dyed stone

Acacia wood

Emerald Blossoms Mango Wood Lacquered Box _artisan--novica-artisan-7911 Maasai women string the theEmerald petals form a delicate floral motif, their cool allure illuminating black lacquer. Working with mango wood, Nantana Sompamitre creates a mesmerizing box. She carves the desired shape and coats it with lacquer. Once dried it is polished, and another coat is applied up to twenty times before as many six coats of pure lacquer are present. The final layer is polished with powdered fired clay. Then the motifs are etched with a technique called lai