
The cards are dealt, the drinks are poured, and everyone has a story to tell.
Four dogs gather around a table, studying their hands as a floppy-eared bartender watches from behind the counter. Tiny bottles line the shelves, colorful signs cover the walls, and a stringed instrument rests nearby—perhaps waiting for the next round to become a sing-along.
Nicario Jimenez transforms a neighborhood bar into a miniature world of canine camaraderie. Rooted in the storytelling tradition of the Peruvian Andes, this handmade retablo brings humor and imagination to a familiar ritual: gathering with friends, sharing a drink, and letting the evening unfold.
Painted floral doors in coral, yellow, and blue frame the scene. Inside, expressive faces, miniature playing cards, and carefully arranged bar details invite you to look closer and discover something new.
A distinctive piece for dog lovers and folk art collectors, this one-of-a-kind retablo celebrates friendship with warmth, wit, and handcrafted character.
Make room in your collection for a little mischief and a good story.
Nicario Jimenez
Artist of the Andes
At our store, we are proud to offer a selection of Retablos created by the renowned artist Nicario Jimenez. Nicario's skillful compositions depict religious, historical, and everyday events, each scene intricately crafted with brightly colored figurines made from a unique doughy mixture of boiled potato and gypsum powder.But what truly sets Nicario's work apart is the personal connection he has to this ancient art form. Born in a peasant community in the high Peruvian Andes, Nicario's sculptures pay homage to the rich cultural traditions of his homeland.We are honored to share Nicario's work with our customers, knowing that each piece was created with care and dedication using only a small piece of wood resembling an enlarged toothpick. His Retablos have been showcased at prestigious exhibitions across the United States, including the San Francisco Craft and Folk Art Museum and the Museum of Man in San Diego.Nicario's work has even been selected by the Smithsonian Institution for its "Seeds of Change" exhibit and is now part of their permanent collection. We believe that by offering Nicario's Retablos at our store, we are not only sharing a beautiful art form but also a personal connection to the rich history and traditions of Peru.We hope that owning one of Nicario's Retablos will bring you as much joy and appreciation for this sophisticated folk art as it has brought us. We take pride in offering high-quality pieces that are not only beautiful but also imbued with a sense of cultural significance and history.