Inspired by pre-Hispanic ceramic traditions, Nicaraguan artisan Arlen Estrada creates a stunning decorative vase to add to your home decor. Crafted by hand, this vase takes the shape of a kneeling human figure that holds a vessel on his back. The upper portion of this decorative vase is decorated with earth-tone pre-Hispanic glyphs.
Made in Nicaragua
Ceramic
Not watertight
For decorative use only
Signed by the artist
Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
"I believe the Lord compensated my hearing loss with a gift for art. I think I was looking for something that could make me forget my health issues and where I could find happiness."
"I've always thought of myself as a creative person, dynamic and kind. And I like to think that I was born with an... entrepreneurial instinct because ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to have my own venture. I didn't know what the venture would be about — I didn't even know what I wanted to study. But I knew for certain that I was to create something of my own, and that I would work in something I enjoyed doing.
"I'm Arlen, from Managua, and I never stray away from my dreams, even though starting my own venture has tested my perseverance. The path has not been easy. I never give up and, when I set myself a goal, I work very hard to reach it despite the time and sacrifices it may take.
"When I was six months old I developed an illness that ended up bursting my eardrums and the doctors told my parents I would never hear again. This, they said, would affect my ability to speak and so they should send me to a special school.
"I was a sickly child growing up, but mom and aunt Miriam – who is like a second mother to me - were always there for me. My mother never treated me like a child who needed special attention because I'm hearing impaired and she sent me to a regular school. It was difficult but I was always a good student.
"I've always enjoyed all forms of art, like dancing, music and theater, but in painting I found my passion and where God let me develop my skills. I believe the Lord compensated my hearing loss with a gift for art. I think I was looking for something that could make me forget my health issues and where I could find happiness.
"My parents were always encouraging my artistic pursuits and along with my family, they have been my greatest supporters, motivators and now my partners as they invest in my art, workshop and all of us who make up my venture.
"I enjoy so much being surrounded by people and helping my community. I love being around artists and artisans, watching them bring to life the designs that we create. We not only craft our designs, we also share our meals, chat, and we laugh for a great part of our time together. This for me, isn't simply a job because throughout the day, while we're doing what we love to do, we're sharing the music we like as well as our personal stories. We'll also share our tears and sorrows – that's the kind of bond we've forged.
"I am at my happiest when I'm designing, painting and crafting. I feel liberated when I'm doing what I know best. My art has given me the opportunity to travel to other countries representing Nicaragua and our ceramics, as well as entrepreneurial women and youths.
"My art has given me a place in my country and it has allowed me to help others through the preservation of our artistic legacy. I can contribute to society and the economy by creating work opportunities. And when my son is asked what does his mother do for a living he replies, 'she paints vases.'
"Art takes second place in my life – first comes my son. I'm a single mother and this is difficult. There were times when I thought I'd have to give up my art since I needed a steady job to provide for him. But I've managed to do both through sacrifice, patience and hard work, and especially with the support of family and friends.
"I feel proud of what I have achieved doing what I love. I believe this is one of the greatest lessons I could teach my son — that dreams are meant to be followed because they can be achieved. I want him to know that he can do whatever he sets his mind to, and be passionate about it. That's how he'll feel proud of himself.
"It's difficult to explain why I love art so much – there are many reasons why! It's one of the most beautiful ways of self-expression, of showing my soul. Whenever I stop to look at a piece, finished or not, it's like it speaks to me through its texture, shape, colors. That's why my slogan is 'Art that expresses itself.'
Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
In the unlikely even that we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will contact you and provide an updated delivery window.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
BUST
35 - 36
37 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
WAIST
27 - 28
29 - 30
31 - 33
34 - 36
38 - 40
HIPS
37 - 38
39 - 40
42 - 43
45 - 46
49 - 50
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
CHEST
36 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
50 - 52
WAIST
30 - 32
32 - 34
35 - 37
38 - 41
43 - 45
NECK
14 - 14.5
15 - 15.5
16 - 16.5
17 - 17.5
18 - 18.5
SLEEVE
32.5
33.5
34.5
35.5
36.5
FINDING YOUR SIZE
Take your measurements with the tape measure over your under garments. If your measurements fall between sizes you may prefer the next larger size. Inseam, skirt and dress lengths vary by style and will be listed in the item description. Our sweaters are knit in standard American sizes, however actual measurements vary by style.
BUST / CHEST
Measure around the fullest part of chest under the arms and over the shoulder blades keeping the tape measure level.
WAIST
Measure around the smallest part of the waist keeping the tape measure comfortably loose. Most garments use the low waist measurement noted below.
LOW WAIST
Measure around the body approximately 1.5" below the natural waist (above). This is the area where most pants and skirts actually fit.
HIPS
Standing with your heels together, measure around the fullest part of the body approx 7"-8" below the waist.
NECK
Measure around the base of the neck keeping the tape measure comfortably loose.
SLEEVE
Bend elbow slightly and starting at the center back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, to the elbow and down to the wrist.
INSEAM
Our standard inseam length for women is 32" and 34" for men; however inseam measurements will vary slightly by style.
Belts with buckles are measured in inches that correspond to a waist size however, most people do not wear belts on the waist, they wear them closer to the hips. A buckle belt measurement is take from the end of the "pin" of the buckle to the middle hole on the belt. Generally there are 5 holes for size adjustment, with a 1" space between each, so the middle hole will the be average size of the belt.
For at tie belt (no buckle) measure the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This again is the medium size of the belt.
For a soft fabric tie belt it can be called "1 size fits most" and the entire length of the belt should be measured and listed.
See buckle/tie belt size standards below.
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
inches
26 - 30
28 - 32
31 - 35
34 - 38
38 - 42
cm
76 - 86
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
inches
30 - 34
32 - 36
35 - 39
39 - 43
43 - 47
cm
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
109 - 119
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
Sash tie length
Lay sash/tie out flat away from the garment and measure from end to end.
Belt with buckle
Measure from the end of the pin of the buckle (where it touches the buckle) to the middle hole.
Belt without buckle
Measure from the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This is will give you the medium size of the belt.
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
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