NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured – we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you’re a happy customer.

About this item: Carved from a single piece of walnut wood, this jewelry box features the sinuous beauty of a dragon. A symbol of good fortune, the mythical creature appears again on both sides. M. Ayub crafts the piece with upper and lower compartments, lined in velvet, and polishes the wood with an agate stone and wax. The box features a secret locking mechanism and can be opened by sliding the lower front panel of the box to the right side.

• Each artwork is unique — wood grain, color, and pattern will differ slightly from picture

About our Artist: M. Ayub was born in the valley of Kashmir. ‘It was our family tradition to work with walnut wood,’ he says. ‘I have pursued this craft since I learned it as a boy. Today, this is a dying craft. Walnut wood is obtained from very old and, at times, dead walnut trees dried for two to three years. The pieces are completely carved by hand and no artificial color is ever used. They are rubbed with stone before a wax polish is applied. Each piece requires a colossal investment of time and dedication.’…