• Small decorative vase, designed and handcrafted by Nicaraguan potters
• Carved chevron pattern highlighted in dramatic black and white
• Approximately 5 x 6 inches (DxH); signed by the artist
• Highly collectible, artisan quality; not for use with water
• Individually handcrafted, so minor variations and imperfections should be expected

A carved geometric pattern and dramatic black and white contrast give this little Nicaraguan pottery vase contemporary appeal. It's a beautiful accent for a shelf or table.

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 finished, the objects are baked in a wood-burning kiln constructed from adobe bricks, and then polishing