Added to Cart
1
Keep Shopping
Go to Cart
Close
Guest
price
Member
price
Add to Cart
You have 2 in Your Cart Checkout Now
Description
Our GlobeIn Premium Wrap
Hand wrapped with love, each gift comes with its own regional pattern, giving your gifts an international flair.
Premium gift wrap – $5
I got it

✓ Item added to cart
View Cart

Gift Wrap Eligible
Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink
Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink

Hand-Painted Pink Copal Wood Alebrije Cat Figurine - Placid Feline in Pink

$55.00Guest price
$44.00Member price
Available Premium Gift Wrap
You can optionally add Premium Gift Wrap into cart.
Learn more >
Overview
Sustainably
Sourced
Handmade
Satisfaction
Guarantee
Description

Pedro Linares's fever dream initiated a stunning art style that today forms part of Mexico's traditional icons. As part of this exquisite culture of colors and mysticism, artisans Zeny and Reyna follow Pedro Linare's vision and craft this bewitching copal wood alebrije figurine depicting a cheeky cat that appears to be resting on an imaginary surface, making it perfect for blending in with your home decor. The artwork is hand-painted in a palette of pink, turquoise and yellow hues, capturing the region's festive aura.

  • Copal wood
  • 0.96 oz
  • 8.3 inches H x 7.5 inches W x 2 inches D

THE STORY BEHIND THE PRODUCT

Artisan Organization: Zeny and Reyna

Country: Mexico

"Hola! We're Zeny Fuentes and Reyna Piña. We're from a small town in Oaxaca," says Zeny by way of introduction. "We both come from families dedicated to carving and painting wood in a style known as alebrije. Our parents were master carvers and they taught each of us when we were children. We studied different things too, but what we really like to do is crafting alebrijes and continuing our families' traditions.

"I still recall the first piece I ever carved. It was a duck and it got sent to the Museum of Light in San Antonio! Since then, I've had the good fortune to exhibit my work in different museums and galleries in the U.S. — the first one was in Arizona when I was only 14 years old. Now Reyna and I exhibit together, and some of our alebrijes are on display in Israel and in Germany.

"Our work has also been sponsored by a prestigious paper company that depicts our wood sculptures on their stationery.

"Reyna and I have different styles when it comes to alebrijes and, when we got married, we decided to combine our ideas, creating our own version — our artistic identity where color and sculpture have a specific meaning. You could say we conceived a life filled with colors and a love for nature as well as for our huge cultural heritage. And now we share our love for this art with our children, who will preserve their family legacy.

"What we have taken from our culture is that we left the trees and recovered our own life, which is evident in every finished sculpture.

"Our materials include reclaimed tree trunks and branches as well as roots from dead trees, or the ones that we find in fields and rivers. We use the dust that comes off after sanding a piece to fill in the cracks that a piece of wood may have, and we use the thorn of a maguey to paint the more delicate motifs. Each alebrije is crafted by hand.

"The government of Oaxaca and the Tourist Ministry have both recognized our work and named us master wood artisans and our efforts to promote this cultural art form across the borders. In 2012, we received an award during Mexico's National Exhibition of Artisan Crafts (ENART) for our sculpture 'The Wild Bull of the Sun and Day.'

"We love spending our free time in the nearby fields and rivers and admiring nature while sitting atop a mountain or hill. This is reflected in the work that we do, which is special and authentic. Our inspiration comes from life's essential elements — the sun, the moon, the wind, water and fire, as well as the main symbols of our Zapotec culture. They are related to animals, flowers, insects, the cycle of life, and time.

"An event that had a big effect on us was when we were invited to teach our work to children with different capabilities in a school in Michigan. Among them was a boy who wouldn't obey, wouldn't eat and wouldn't pay attention. Regardless, we began to teach and I started carving a log of wood into a bear, and this kid was amazed by the magic of transforming wood into an animal. I caught his attention and I helped him make a sponge from a block of floral foam.

"When he was finished, he looked quite content with himself. His mother later told us that, when he got home, he was in a very happy mood. He ate, and then drew a picture of me, calling me 'art boy.' Apparently, the experience contributed to him coming out of his depression.

"When she told us this, we felt a great sense of satisfaction. We had no idea how much we could help someone — a child — through our art.

"We see you as a door to the world where Reyna and I can show people our work. We would like to express our thanks to all of you who find interest in the wonderful world of Mexican alebrijes.""

Top Rated

If you have a question or need assistance, our Customer Support Team would be happy to help! Before doing so, please feel free to look through our FAQs page as many questions regarding memberships, shipping, and account settings can be found there.
Visit our Help Center
Still need assistance? Our Customer Support Team is happy to help!
Contact Us