Traditional Shibori is one of our favorite handcrafts. One can often find beautiful one-of-a-kind tie dyed textiles in our shop, and we were excited to launch a collection of shibori pillows on our website last year. One piece is featured in this month's Good Housekeeping Magazine in an article on the color blue, undoubtedly the most iconic shade of shibori. Click here to see this item on our website now!.
Labels: handicrafts, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Press
Buon Giorno Italia!
Our exclusive, handmade Kuba Cloth Pillows are featured in the latest edition of Marie Claire Maison Italia.
Labels: Africa, handicrafts, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Press
This unique pillow was commissioned by an online client in Virginia as a housewarming gift for a close friend. She provided an image of the home to our resident artist, who meticulously hand painted the image onto a custom-sized leather pillow.
If you did not know already, custom is what we do, have a look at some more of our custom projects here.
Labels: Art, custom project, handicrafts, PIllows
Kuba Cloth Pillows -19 x 19.5 inches + Free Delivery
When designers look for Kuba Cloth Pillows, they turn to Pfeifer Studio. These wonderful handmade textiles are a traditional craft from Africa, created using primitive techniques that have been employed for centuries. They get their name from the Kuba tribe of central Congo. The tribe' s women begin the process of creating the cloths by beating palm leaves so that the leaf will separate into fibers. The men then use a loom to weave the fibers. The process then goes back to the women who decorate the cloth. Sometimes they use a “u” stitch to create a carpet pile like texture as well as motifs. Other times they use appliqué methods to create patterns and motifs. Each cloth can take over a month to make.
Kuba Cloth Pillow -15 x 20.5 inches + Free Delivery
In the past the cloth was only made by the most important and wealthy men in the tribe. Their wives were the only women in the tribe who had enough spare time to embroider the cloth. Ordinary women were kept too busy with their work in the fields, cooking and raising their children. Thus the cloth became a symbol of wealth and status. When a major event occurred such as the induction of a new chief, the women of the tribe would sew many cloths together to make a royal robe. One popular village song describes how, a man was offered a Mercedes Benz car or a Kuba cloth by his mother. He chose the Kuba cloth after wisely noting that it would last longer.
Labels: Africa, Eco-Friendly, handicrafts, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
Our brand new traditional dining table, inspired by Spanish Colonial antiques found throughout Northern New Mexico, is handmade-to-order by artisans in the state, who come from a tradition of Hispanic furniture making.
It is constructed with mortis and tenon joinery and has a traditional hand carved pattern on the base stretchers. The table is available in multiple wood finishes and comfortably seats six.
Labels: Dining Tables, handicrafts, Made in New Mexico, New Arrivals, New Mexico, Product Preview
We've gone a little pouf crazy over here at Pfeifer Studio. But can you really blame us? With some many great, handmade options there seems to be one in our collection below that will work in most any interior.
Jute Pouf - 18 x 18 x 18 H inches - $369.00 + Free Delivery
Tie Dye Pouf - 16 x 16 x 13 H inches - $299.00 + Free Delivery
Wool Pouf - 18 x 18 x 14 inches - $599.00 + Free Delivery
Labels: Eco-Friendly, handicrafts, India, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds, Stools
Ikat Pillow, 12 x 20 inches. Buy it here.
Get your ikat on with our cool, new cotton throw pillows created in graphic handwoven patterns. The yarn for the fabric is tie-dyed before being woven, creating unique patterns on the fabric as it comes to life. Each pillow has a natural linen back and feather and down inner.
Ikat Pillow, 12 x 20 inches. Buy it here.
Ikat Pillow, 12 x 20 inches. Buy it here.
Ikat Cube Pillow, 8 x 8 x 8 inches. Buy it here.
Ikat Pillow, 20 x 20 inches. Buy it here.
Ikat Pillow, 20 x 20 inches. Buy it here.
Labels: handicrafts, New Arrivals, PIllows
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Tuareg Leather Pillows are hard to find, but once in a while one comes our way. Our latest discovery features a unique, graphic geometric pattern on the face and intricate handwork throughout.
It is, of course, one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted by Tuareg nomads living in the Sahara Desert. This type of pillow is traditionally used for sitting or sleeping on the ground. It is made from hand-dyed goat skin and features hand-painted geometric patterns and leather fringe. Stop by our showroom to see it in person, or order it online with free delivery today.
Labels: Africa, handicrafts, leather, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
We have once again added some great new vintage and one-of-a-find pieces from our showroom to our website for all to see. Have a look below and let us know if you have any questions about these featured pieces.
Hand carving wood has a long
tradition in Morocco and is most often found on screens and tables. Geometrics
are also a common motif and emerge on this table ($349 + Free Delivery) not only on the patterns, but
the octagonal shape. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind table here.
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Our one-of-a-kind Bozo Tribe Masks ($325 - $349 + Free Delivery) are handmade in Mali. They are probably about 20 years old and were originally attached to a pole and carried by a dancer in a regatta, much like a large marionette. Find them here and here.
The Bozo are primarily fishermen and have a wonderful creation story. Neighbors of the Dogon who reside on the shores of the Niger River, the Bozo are the 'first twins' according the tradition and worship Faro the spirit of water. The ram, valued throughout this region, was sacrificed for the first time by God to redeem the errors committed by Mousso Koroni, the 'ancient little woman.' An era of disorder, violence and sterility was followed by a period of prosperity, order and peace.
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Our Bamileke Tribe Masks ($235 each + Free Delivery) are handmade in Cameroon. They are carved from a solid piece of wood and depict a Monkey, which represents intelligence. The Bamileke believe that their kings possess supernatural powers allowing them to change into animals, most often elephants, lizards or buffalos. This crossing of the boundaries, which happens during special rituals, allows them to create a link between the human and spirit realm. Find them here and here.
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Our Fair Trade Wolof Prayer Mat baskets ($75 + Free Delivery) are incredibly useful for storage and also look striking when hung on the wall. Wolof women in rural Senegal have been crafting coil style baskets for generations. While traditional baskets were crafted using a local grass called njodax bound with strips of reed, modern baskets are bound with strips of plastic recycled from old prayer mats. Choose from White or Turquoise.
Labels: Africa, Eco-Friendly, End and Side Tables, Fair Trade, handicrafts, Middle East, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds
New in Store are these beautiful, fun, colorful and 100% handmade dog collars ($45 - $79) created by Maasai people in Kenya. Saba loved them so much that she asked for one of her own. And she never asks for anything!
Not only are they beautiful, they are also fair trade…and that goes a long way. The beading of these collars (and coordinating bracelets - $25) generates income for over 200 Kenyans who otherwise might earn as little as $1,500 a year. Other than the operating costs of the people in the US who are helping to bring their craft to market (one part time employee, marketing and air freight), all of the money goes back to Kenya. Good in so many ways.
So swing by Pfeifer Studio, get your pooch some style and feel good about it.
Labels: Africa, Color, Fiar Trade, gifts, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
It’s no secret that I’m a total fanatic of African objects. Their handmade masks and stools are my favorites, and I love sitting in a space surrounded by them pretending I am somewhere deep inside the Dark Continent. I’m so excited that we have discovered a few wonderful new African pieces to add to our collection. Most are vintage one-of-a-finds and our Hand Carved Ashanti Stool is a contemporary style, which is surely to become a favorite on the site for some time to come.
Our contemporary Ashanti Stool ($375.00 + Free Delivery) is hand carved by artisans from a single block of wood from the Cedrela tree. Like traditional stools, it has a crescent-shaped seat and flat base, but a simple central circle replaces the more typical Adinkra symbol in the middle.
Stools are spiritual and practical objects in the Ashanti culture of West Africa. They are understood to be the seat of the owner's soul and when not in use are leaned against a wall so that other souls passing by will not settle on it. Click here to learn more.
Our two new vintage Nupe Stools (above) are $279.00 + Free Delivery and $175.00 + Free Delivery, respectively. Most Nupe are Muslim and their art is therefore abstract, with only some stylized animals in relief on their doors and some pots. Their stools come in many forms yet are all carved from single blocks of wood. Amazingly, the grain of the wood runs horizontally, even across the legs. All share a richly carved top surface.
This vintage Punu mask ($175.00 + Free Delivery) from Gabon features many of the common characteristics from the region, including protruding lips. It is also painted in the traditional white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor. Click here to learn more about this One-Of-A-Kind piece now.
The Fang people used masks in their secret societies. Members of this male society wore the Ngil masks during the initiation of new members and the persecution of wrongdoers. Masqueraders, clad in raffia costumes and attended by helpers, would materialize in the village after dark, illuminated by flickering torchlight. Our
vintage Fang mask ($279.00 + Free Delivery) is enormous at 50 inches long and is a one-of-a-kind piece.
Click here to learn more about it.
Labels: Africa, Antiques, Art, gifts, handicrafts, home accessories, New Arrivals, Product Preview, Stools
We have just added a few new styles to our One-Of-A-Finds online, and as it may very well not surprise anyone who has been following us for a while, they are from Africa.
Vintage Mask From Gabon - $149.00 + Free Delivery
Our beautiful, hand-carved vintage masks from Gabon ($149 + Free Delivery) feature many of the common characteristics from the region, including arched eyebrows and a long and narrow shape. They are also painted in the traditional white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor. We have a few in stock and each is slightly different than the other. If you would like to see the actual mask that you will be receiving, please contact us at 1-866-804-1909.
our masks have the traditional white painted finish
Antique African Money - $85.00 + Free Delivery
Iron work had great value in African cultures. Beginning in the 18th century the availability of iron in sub-Saharan Africa increased and it eventually developed into a high end trading commodity. Objects created in iron are today known as African money and include such items as swords and bracelets. We currently have a few swords, each is slightly different than the other. As with the masks, please give us a call if you want to see the actual one you would be receiving, before placing your order online.
the iron swords were once attached to a wooded handle
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: Africa, Antiques, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
Have you seen the latest arrivals to our limited editions and One-Of-A-Kinds? You should! Our new batch hits handmade, post-modern, vintage and Victorian all in one fell swoop.
Not so long ago you had to make a trip to our showroom in New Mexico to discover such finds, but now you can grab them through your screen from anywhere on the globe. But remember that these items are limited. Get them now or regret it later.
Appliqué Owl Pillow - Our handmade appliqué owl pillow was created in India by designer Neeru Kumar and features a feather and down insert and cotton back. $75.00 + Free Delivery
String Light - At first glance, the String Light looks industrial and exposed, with 10 variably sized light bulbs protruding from powder coated aluminum casings, dangling at random from a 60 inch cord. Plug in this dimmable light fixture and the String Light assumes a wholly new aura. The 9 white bulbs and single red bulb glow with a whimsical and refreshing energy. Illuminating a room has never been so interesting. 107 total watts. $99.00 + Free Delivery
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Shaped Cat Pillow - $119.00 + Free Delivery
Shaped Cat and Owl Pillows - Our hand screened cat and owl cushions are inspired by Victorian shaped pillows. The graphics are based on the first mass produced images from 19th century illustrations. $119.00 + Free Delivery
Resin Hand Hooks - Cast from the designer's hand, our resin hand hooks are a catchall for keys, change, soap, or any small thing that needs a helpful hand. Includes wall mounting hardware. Choose from Grab, C'mere or Offer. $85.00 + Free Delivery
Reclaimed Huiplie Textile Bag - Blending modern design with rich tradition, this bag is crafted from a recycled traditional Mayan huipile (blouse). Laced with a colorful braided cotton cord and magnetic snap. Nice details with an inside zipper pocket and denim lining. $149.00 + Free Delivery
Vintage Kantha Quilt - $235.00 + Free Delivery
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Cotton Kantha Quilt - $159.00 + Free Delivery
Nakshi Kantha, which means embroidered quilt, is the prominent textile art form of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Passed down through generations, it was popularized by a poem titled “Nakhi Kanthar Math” by Jasim Uddin. The poem, written about a woman named Rupa, captures her process of making an embroidered quilt and the story of her life reflected in the piece itself.
The running stitch, called kantha or gudri stitch, is the main stitch used to layout the designs and motifs before filling them in with cloth. In kanthas with a central motif, the center of the piece is first created then followed by corner designs and the remaining details.
Wanna know more about any of these great finds? Send an email or give us a call at 1-866-804-1909.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: Blankets and Throws, Central America, Eco-Friendly, fashion accessories, handicrafts, India, lighting, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
Grey Stripe Wool Pouf - 18 x 18 x 18 H inches - $349.00 + Free Delivery
Indian Embroidered Pouf - 18 x 18 x 18 H inches - $299.00 + Free Delivery
Gujurati Embroidered Pouf - 22 dia x 12 H inches - $299.00 + Free Delivery
Knit Wool Pouf - 18 dia x 12 H inches - $299.00 + Free Delivery
Wool Ball Pouf - 18 x 18 x 18 H inches - $599.00 + Free Delivery
