This smug-looking cat is hand painted and carved with random openings to allow the glow of candlelight to escape.

Some of the world's most distinctive pottery is created in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua, a small village nestled among volcanos alongside a picturesque lagoon. In a typical village scene, you're likely to see ox carts delivering clay and other materials to the various workshops. The clay is thrown on a kick wheel to form the shape, then painted using mineral oxides. In the next step, the pieces are carved, sgraffito style, using homemade tools typically fashioned from the spokes of a bicycle wheel. Once the carving is complete, the objects are baked in a wood-burning kiln constructed from adobe bricks. Polishing completes the creative process. The final product is a lovely object, the result of many hours of loving labor at the hands of gifted artisans. Due to handcrafting, variations should be expected and add to the originality of each piece.

• Designed and handcrafted by Nicaraguan potters
• Hand-painted and carved with random openings to allow candlelight to escape
• Each is a unique, handmade creation, so variations should be expected
• Use with a tealight or votive
• Approximately 6 x 5.5 x 7 inches (LxWxH); made in Nicaragua