Chirping Birds Hand Painted Wood Decorative Bird Box

Mohammad Hussain Baba

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I was born in Kashmir in 1991. Those who know me well describe me as calm, hardworking, relaxed and caring.

In Kashmir, papier mache is an ancestral art form and I've been attracted towards it since childhood. I realized that this craft is 450 years old and needs the attention of the young generation. My father taught me, and also my siblings and other artisans who came to collaborate with us.

"Learning anything needs practice and focus. Without practice and focusing, I don't believe it is possible to learn anything. I also believe there are no masters of a craft — we focus and learn new things every day.

"We use paper and wood. What I like best is working with colors, and I love creating new designs. I get inspiration from my father and grandfather, who both worked day and night to promote this ancestral art.

"More than 20 artisans — both men and women — now collaborate with us. The male members are the breadwinners of their families while the female artisans help support the household.

"There is an immense gratitude in doing something wonderful that not only helps yourself but also helps others. Together we want to promote our age-old art and infuse it with some new creativity."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

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