Caravaggio Ornament

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known more famously as Caravaggio, was an Italian artist of the Baroque era that brought to Rome a tradition of naturalism that stretched back to Leonardo da Vinci's work in Milan. His realistic observation of humanity and dramatic painting techniques had a formative influence on art of the time and throughout generations to come. The ornament depicts the artist in casual garb cradling a painter's palette as well as grasping a sword in his other hand, reminding us of his turbulent life. Makes and excellent gift or holiday ornament.

Designed in the UK, St. Nicolas specializes in bespoke holiday decorations. All of their decorations are handmade, and the time taken to make each one is reflected in their unique quality. For 25 years, St. Nicolas has worked with a small Christian charity in Thailand that helps disadvantaged rural women find work in their community rather than being forced to leave home to work in a factory. Today, some 200 skilled women work at home sewing these ornaments, many of whom have been doing so for over 10 years.

Each St. Nicolas Ornament is made using the traditional method of zardozi embroidery. Zari (meaning gold) embroidery originated in Persia and reached India in the 12th century. It is a highly skilled embroidery technique that traditionally uses gold wires and jewels to embellish courtly robes. Zardozi work is a rare and respected craft, with skills passed down from generation to generation.