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.

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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.

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Alternate image for Artisan Crafted Wood and Leather Square Stool from Peru Birds Among the Vines

$259

Item Detail

Artisan Crafted Wood and Leather Square Stool from Peru 'Birds Among the Vines'

$259

(11)

Comments

Carla It exceeds our expectations in beauty, functionality, quality and uniqueness. And to know it was lovingly crafted by hand in Peru is perhaps the best feature of all. Many thanks!

10 more comments

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

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!

Reviewed item

December 27, 2022

C Carla

It exceeds our expectations in beauty, functionality, quality and uniqueness. And to know it was lovingly crafted by hand in Peru is perhaps the best feature of all. Many thanks!

Reviewed item

December 3, 2022

M Meg

Im using this as I type by the fire. Perfect size and lovely design. Well made and very solid. The price was very reasonable for the work that went into this piece.

Reviewed item

June 26, 2022

E Elaine

The workmanship with the leather tooling and upholstery is outstanding. I have worked with both and can appreciate the precision displayed in my piece. I could not be more pleased.The assembly was not difficult. Each leg was numbered with it's matching hole. That was very helpful because of the number of pegs involved that also needed to be aligned and because each handmade stool will have slight ... read more

Reviewed item

April 19, 2022

J James

We love our new multipurpose stool. Excellent craftsmanship. The hand tooled leather top is beautiful. It has been used as a stool, a footrest, and a low table. Very, very sturdy and a perfect size. Very easy to move around. It’s very popular and has caught the eye of most visitors and several have expressed interest in buying one for themselves. I’m writing this review as I am buying one for a fr... read more

Reviewed item

January 28, 2022

N Nancy

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

Reviewed item

January 26, 2022

M Mary K

Love this stool. It's the perfect size in our master bath. Good to drape your bath towel on or to sit on to apply lotion, etc. The leather work is done beautifully.

Reviewed item

November 28, 2021

K Kathleen

This looks absolutely beautiful with my Peruvian Tapestry. . Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed item

October 19, 2021

S Sherry

I love this stool, it is truly lovely. Easy to put together and arrived promptly. A treasured heirloom.

Reviewed item

August 7, 2021

M Melinda

This is a gorgeous footstool! It actually pulled my entire living room decor together like a beautiful piece of jewelry with the right outfit. Everyone comments on it. I just love it! Thank you for your amazing piece of art.

Reviewed item

March 2, 2021

T Tyrone

The table is well crafted and elegant. It is sturdy and acts as a centerpiece. It is both utilitarian and a crafts piece.

Reviewed item

February 9, 2021

A Andrew

This stool is a really great addition to my living room. Not only does it look amazing but it is also very functional. I use it every day while sitting in my recliner. It has a few wear marks on it but it just gives it character. I didn't buy it for looks alone but I have received many compliments about this piece. I love it!

Reviewed item

August 29, 2020

P Patricia

We had been on the hunt for a long time for a unique side table. Plus, we wanted it to be a certain height...not so low like they make the new ones these days, nor too tall. This table checked all the boxes and then some because it's absolutely beautiful! We get so many compliments on it. Thank you!

Reviewed item

May 16, 2020

R Robert

Beautiful craftsmanship. A piece of art.

Reviewed item

December 6, 2019

J Joseph

Beautifully crafted

Reviewed item

November 5, 2019

D Diana

The workman ship on this item is beautiful. However, I am having difficulty getting all the holes to line up to assemble it. I am afraid of breaking it, so I will take it to a cabinet maker to help me. This is disappointing, but I am sure he will figure out how to get it together without damage.

Reviewed item

July 18, 2018

D Diane

Our order arrived today and the table is absolutely gorgeous! It was carefully wrapped and neatly packaged for shipping.. The detail and design of the table are an impressive reflection of the artistic talent and dedication to the leather tooling. I am so pleased with the beautiful table that now sits in our home. Thank you!!

Reviewed item

June 26, 2022

E Elaine

April 19, 2022

J James

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Rios Family

Rios Family

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