Rios Family

Rios Family leather and wood furniture

Jose Antonio Rios and his family have been dedicated to the traditional art of tooling and embossing leather furniture for several generations. This activity was embraced by Jose Antonio's grandparents, with the same devotion and caring dedication, using the same technique to produce handcrafted items bearing their own unique touch. José Antonio Ríos says:

"For us, embossing leather is a family tradition. My father inherited it from his father, and handed it down to us. When he was very young, my father learned to work with leather, making saddles primarily for fine Peruvian paso horses. Later he established a small workshop, where he achieved such a perfection that soon his products, totally handmade, gained great acceptance and prestige.

"Today, my family and I are proudly preserving the family tradition, incorporating contemporary techniques and designs, ready to face new challenges. Our work has been exhibited in a number of national and international fairs and events. We have been awarded with significant prizes and recognitions, mainly in Brazil and Argentina.

"Our creations are totally handmade. After sketching the figures, the piece is embossed with chisel and hammer. We use several types of chisels depending on the intricacy of the motifs. Then, the embossed leather is placed on the furniture piece, simultaneously prepared.

"We finish our pieces with a mixture of walnut stain and ink, carefully matching the wood color. Furniture pieces are made from cedar and mahogany wood, carefully selected and treated. We are certain that, having been made with so much love and quality, our work will be a proud ambassador of the Peruvian culture and traditions to the world."

In the photo, José Ríos, the son.

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"For us, embossing leather is a family tradition. My father inherited it from his father, and handed it down to us. When he was very young, my father learned to work with leather, making saddles primarily for fine Peruvian paso horses. Later he established a small workshop, where he achieved such a perfection that soon his products, totally handmade, gained great acceptance and prestige.

"Today, my family and I are proudly preserving the family tradition, incorporating contemporary techniques and designs, ready to face new challenges. Our work has been exhibited in a number of national and international fairs and events. We have been awarded with significant prizes and recognitions, mainly in Brazil and Argentina.

"Our creations are totally handmade. After sketching the figures, the piece is embossed with chisel and hammer. We use several types of chisels depending on the intricacy of the motifs. Then, the embossed leather is placed on the furniture piece, simultaneously prepared.

"We finish our pieces with a mixture of walnut stain and ink, carefully matching the wood color. Furniture pieces are made from cedar and mahogany wood, carefully selected and treated. We are certain that, having been made with so much love and quality, our work will be a proud ambassador of the Peruvian culture and traditions to the world."

In the photo, José Ríos, the son.

Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.

Learn More

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Rios Family has received 9 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $600 and the most recent for $2850. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of quality leather and wood to increase production.

7 items

Filter

Filters

Sort

Most popular
Price: low to high
Price: high to low
Newest arrivals

Alternate image for Traditional Leather Wood End Table Andean Elegance

$329.99

Item Detail

Traditional Leather Wood End Table 'Andean Elegance'

$329.99

(4)

Comments

Nancy This piece is exquisite, easy to assemble, and lends a special accent to my living room. I love it

3 more comments

The shelves are empty for now.Every piece Rios Family makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Rios Family.

Behind every piece is a story in motion Rios Family hasn't shared a video yet. Follow to be there when they do.

4 Badges for Rios Family

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

17 Reviews for

March 26, 2023

D Dr Karen

This is a lovely leather tooled box. I gave it as a gift to a client. Definitely a great item for giving to someone you cherish and value. Beautiful leather work and design. Thank you Rios Family!

Rios Family

My Story

Rios Family

Blog Posts