Dragon-Hearted Turtle Wood Jewelry Box

Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya

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Tuesday, October 26, 1976 was a happy day for I GustMade Sangging and his wife GustMade Endri. That is the day I was born in a remote village in Bali, the fourth of six children. My parents were farmers who could hardly invest in their children's studies.

At school, my drawing skill was above average. Besides practicing extracurricular activities, I also took a part-time job finishing and adding color to art products after school until late afternoon.

"After graduating from secondary school, instead of going to an art school I studied at a technical school (equal to senior high). Though my brother had promised to pay for my studies, I still had to work as a laborer, for he could not give me enough money. I never liked this kind of work, therefore at night I often did some paintings; these became my private collection.

"One day, a friend of mine suggested painting on a piece of wood and the result was very nice. Since then, I have been crafting a variety of painted wood products, which sometimes I combine with fabrics."

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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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