Title
Boxwood Gourd Hand Piece
Hand-carved by the heritage workshop. The old meaning of gourd — blessing — shaped into a palm-sized piece. Rounded and full, it sits perfectly in the hand: to hold, to play, to calm the mind. A small thing holding great feeling.
Material
Selected boxwood
Fine and warm, colour like soft jade. Boxwood grows slowly, making it dense and closely grained. Over time, it takes on a deeper, softer lustre — which is why it has long been a favourite for scholar’s objects. Hand-polished, smooth as jade, warm to the touch. The more you hold it, the richer it becomes.
Cultural Meaning
Gourd sounds like “blessing” in the old language. Since ancient times, it has carried wishes: blessing and wealth, long life, protection from harm. The gourd vine spreads and continues — a symbol of generations without end. Held in the palm and turned day by day, it is both a blessing and a practice — the hand nourishes the object, the object calms the mind.
No lid — made to hold and turn in the hand, or to hang as a charm. A piece to keep close.
Craft & Use
Made by hand — carved and shaped with care. The form is full and rounded, the lines flowing naturally. Every vine and leaf is finished by the artisan’s touch.
Use it many ways — as a hand piece to hold and play, warming in your palm; as a desk object, quiet and elegant; or beside your tea table, where it brings a touch of good fortune and calm.
Small in the hand, warm to the touch — at 8–9cm, it sits comfortably in the palm. A piece for quiet moments, for the simple pleasure of holding something made slowly, by hand.
Gift & Collection
Small gourd, big blessing —
· For an elder: may blessing and health stay near.
· For yourself: a hand piece for daily turning — a reminder of beauty in every day.
· For a friend: a wish for blessing to follow them always.
