Olinalá Powder Box With Honey Butter Yellow Top - Polvera - Small - Maque Gourd
Handcrafted in Olinalá, Guerrero, Mexico, this small gourd container is decorated using the traditional art of maque, an ancestral Mexican lacquer technique. Artisans carefully apply and polish successive layers of mineral-based pigments and oils, creating a smooth, luminous finish that transforms the humble gourd into a beautiful work of folk art.
Traditionally known as polveras, these charming containers were used to hold face powder and talc, but they can hold tea bags or sweetener packs, or garlic cloves, spices and similar dry items that don’t stain the polvera sensitive surface. They are also a great jewlery box for small items. Today, they celebrate the ingenuity of Mexican craftsmanship, bringing together natural materials, traditional techniques, and the artistry passed down through generations of Olinalá artisans. Each piece is unique, with subtle variations that reflect its handmade character.
Available in Red, Burgundy, Fuchsia, Navy, Lilac and Dark Aubergine, with honey butter yellow tops. Each piece is made of a natural gourd and their shapes vary greatly. They mostly resemble large apples or pears.
Approximate sizes: D 9-10cm (3.5-4”), H 7-11cm (3-4”) plus a stem of 2.5 cm (1”)
Care instructions: Avoid placing this piece in direct sunlight. Use a very soft, clean, dry brush or soft cloth with minimal pressure, provided the finish is stable. Avoid wet cloths, water, alcohol, acetone, furniture polish, wax, oils, and abrasive sponges.