Details:

• Fixed under glass, hand painted in Senegal.

• Size: 10cm x 10cm apx

• Cotton tie attached on the back to enable hanging

• Responsible production and fair trade ♥

• These tiny beauties make a beautiful gift to someone you love

• As these are all hand painted there can be very slight colour differences from what is photographed

• Painting under glass (suweer or souwèr in Wolof) is an artistic technique that is particularly popular in Senegal. This technique consists of painting on window glass in reverse order from the original project. One begins with the signature and details before tackling the backgrounds, which are treated in two stages: the outlines are painted first with a gouache, the surfaces thus delineated are brushed on afterwards. The glass protects the paint and gives it its characteristic smooth, shiny appearance. Last, in reverse image from the original. The outlines in ink are filled with successive layers of paint: the design appears right side up on the unpainted side. The plates dry in the sun.

CSAO (Compagnie du Sénégal et de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) was founded in 1995 in Paris by Valérie Schlumberger. After living and working with local artisans in Senegal and West Africa for more than a decade, Valérie returned to her native France where she opened her first Parisian boutique. Her aim, to disseminate in France and Europe the fruits of the work of the best craftsmen and women in West Africa. In conjunction with the opening of the brand’s Parisian boutique, Valérie also created ASAO, a charitable organisation that oversees a number of social initiatives in Senegal.

Since 2012 Ondine Saglio, Valérie's daughter, has joined the adventure. Ondine has been able to revalue noble ancestral traditions such as embroidery. By organizing embroidery workshops, over 150 women create cushions, bags and other accessories which have now become some of the brand’s most recognisable products gaining cult following among trendsetters from around the globe.

Previously without income or living in demanding and precarious occupations, these women can now support their families with a regular income. They play with threads, materials and colours and are proud of the results produced through their rigorous work. They have the opportunity to work at home to look after their children, or in the workshop where they are able to socialise, exchange, communicate and laugh with their peers. Confidence in themselves has being gained and they take great pride in creating these special and unique pieces.