Handmade Wood Decorative Box Reverse-Painted Glass Map of the World (Peru) - 8' x 10'

This decorative box features beautiful reverse-painted glass with maps of the world on its lid and four sides. Peruvian artisan Asunta Pelaez handcrafts the box from plywood and paints by hand the world map scenes on the reverse side of glass panes, that are then secured to the box surface. You'll appreciate the careful choice of color to represent the various geographic features of the Earth. The hinged lid opens to reveal a single compartment, painted black. 

Product Features:

• Dimensions: 2" H x 8.75" W x 5" D 
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Color: Multi color
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Materials: Plywood, glass, brass
• Made in Peru

Story Behind The Art: 

A dream is a wish your heart makes. It doesn't come true through magic. It requires determination and hard work. My passion for art comes from the depths of my heart. It's in my DNA. From childhood, I attended all the drawing and painting classes at school. I spent many hours there and I learned well. Once I had mastered the paintbrush and colors, I loved to set my creativity free. I really enjoyed my art classes. My time was spent in school, in art workshops and at home. A short time later, disaster stuck. I lost my parents when I was still a girl and it was devastating to me. We five children stayed with our aunt and uncle, and other close relatives helped look after us. We eventually moved to Lima where we tried to go on with our lives. Our goal was to become the best we could be and overcome life's obstacles in memory of our parents. In Lima, I began studying accounting while visiting workshops and helping my aunt and uncle. At school there, I met the man who would become my husband, my best friend and life teacher. He courted me through his art. He taught me what he knew about reverse painted glass and suggested I collaborate in his workshop. When I went to his workshop, I hadn't the slightest idea of what would happen or is my work would be good enough. But I thought back in time and remembered how I was good at drawing and painting. Then I felt more secure and was happy to learn this traditional Andean art form with techniques that have been handed down over generations. I fell in love with this beautiful work and the lovely designs we're able to create. I was really impressed. Since then, I've spent my whole life doing what I love most. Reverse painted glass isn't only my work. It's become a way of life. I strive to do even better by studying every detail and to become a master artisan so I can be the best I can be, together with my family. I originally began to learn thanks to the influence of my husband's family. But over time, we've unified our abilities and work. Little by little, I learned to design and paint. It's so satisfying to be able to dedicate myself fulltime to what I enjoy most. I follow a meticulous process, carefully shaping the wood to give it a pleasing form. This whole process demands incredible patience and attention to detail. The motifs are painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes, which are inlaid onto the mirror frames, trays and decorative boxes. My designs are inspired by nature, and by typical scenes from my town and region. I feel very proud of the works that I create, and I look forward to sharing them with more and more people around the world.

Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.