The Jugha flower decorates this classic cross sculpture with a touch of devoted respect for Armenia's rich history. Artisans Gagik and Gor Antonyan work with dedication on this refined walnut wood piece, whose details tell the region's story of artistic beauty and faithful spirit.
Made in Armenia
Walnut wood
Wood grain and color can vary slightly
Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
Through my hands, I aim to keep our traditions alive — evolving but always rooted in the spirit of Armenia.
"My name is Gagik Antonyan and I’ve dedicated my life to preserving the artistry of my Armenian heritage through the... intricate craft of woodcarving. Born in 1966, I grew up in post-Soviet Armenia—a time of rapid change, but also a period where our cultural roots remained a strong foundation. My journey is not just about personal achievement; it reflects the resilience and passion of Armenian craftsmen, whose work has endured for generations.
"My fascination with woodcarving began early, inspired by the natural textures and tones of wood, as well as the skillful hands of the artisans in my community. I attended School No. 57 and later School No. 177 in Yerevan, completing my secondary education in 1983. With a clear vision, I followed my artistic calling to Yerevan’s Technical Art School No. 8, where I enrolled in the woodcarving program. It was there that I truly honed my craft, learning from experienced mentors who instilled in me the precision, patience, and respect that woodcarving requires. By 1985, I graduated as a professional woodcarver, ready to bring my artistic vision to life.
"However, like many of my peers, my journey was interrupted by mandatory military service. After serving in the Soviet Army, I returned to Armenia with a newfound sense of discipline and determination. I began working as a woodcarver at a furniture manufacturing company, where I applied my skills to both functional and decorative pieces. This period was crucial for me, as I not only honed my technical abilities but also began infusing my work with Armenian motifs and traditional patterns. It was here that I began developing my unique style—an intricate fusion of Armenian heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
"In the early 1990s, my work took me beyond Armenia's borders to St. Petersburg, Russia, where I worked in a local furniture workshop from 1993 to 1995. Immersed in a new culture yet firmly connected to my Armenian roots, my woodcarving evolved. I absorbed new techniques and artistic influences while staying true to the essence of Armenian design. My attention to detail and commitment to cultural authenticity earned me recognition in the local artisan community in St. Petersburg.
"When I returned to Armenia in 1995, I reconnected with the country's rich artistic heritage. I collaborated with a souvenir shop in Etchmiadzin, Armenia’s spiritual heart, where I crafted wooden crosses and khachkars (stone crosses). These revered symbols of Armenian faith and resilience allowed me to deepen my connection to our sacred traditions. Each khachkar I carved became a story—an homage to Armenia’s spiritual legacy. This phase of my career marked a turning point, as I combined my technical expertise with a deep cultural narrative, infusing every piece with meaning and history.
"In 2005, I expanded my reach even further by moving to Moscow, where I worked in various furniture workshops and showcased my work at exhibitions dedicated to Armenian artisans across Russia. These exhibitions gave me a platform to display my finest pieces, and I quickly gained recognition for my skill and dedication. The intricate details of my work resonated deeply with both the Armenian and Russian communities, leading to numerous accolades and awards from the Armenian diaspora in Russia. These exhibitions not only solidified my reputation but also deepened my commitment to preserving Armenian culture through my art.
"From 2016 to 2024, I returned to St. Petersburg, where I worked as a woodcarver for a renowned furniture company. My work was celebrated by the Armenian community, who saw me as a cultural ambassador, someone carrying the spirit of Armenian craftsmanship across borders. During my time in Russia, I was honored with certificates of merit and medals from the Armenian community, a testament to my unwavering dedication to both my craft and my cultural heritage.
"Looking back on my decades-long journey, I see woodcarving as more than just a profession—it’s a form of storytelling, a way to pass on the soul of Armenia to future generations. Each piece I create, whether it’s an ornament, a cross, or a decorative carving, carries the essence of our history and culture. Through my hands, I aim to keep our traditions alive — evolving but always rooted in the spirit of Armenia.
"My story is a testament to the power of art to transcend borders. Woodcarving has been my lifelong dedication and a profound tribute to my heritage. Through my work, the ancient craft remains alive, evolving in its expression, yet unchanged in its core essence. It continues to inspire, bridging the past with the present, and connecting Armenia with the world."
Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
In the unlikely even that we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will contact you and provide an updated delivery window.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
BUST
35 - 36
37 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
WAIST
27 - 28
29 - 30
31 - 33
34 - 36
38 - 40
HIPS
37 - 38
39 - 40
42 - 43
45 - 46
49 - 50
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
CHEST
36 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
50 - 52
WAIST
30 - 32
32 - 34
35 - 37
38 - 41
43 - 45
NECK
14 - 14.5
15 - 15.5
16 - 16.5
17 - 17.5
18 - 18.5
SLEEVE
32.5
33.5
34.5
35.5
36.5
FINDING YOUR SIZE
Take your measurements with the tape measure over your under garments. If your measurements fall between sizes you may prefer the next larger size. Inseam, skirt and dress lengths vary by style and will be listed in the item description. Our sweaters are knit in standard American sizes, however actual measurements vary by style.
BUST / CHEST
Measure around the fullest part of chest under the arms and over the shoulder blades keeping the tape measure level.
WAIST
Measure around the smallest part of the waist keeping the tape measure comfortably loose. Most garments use the low waist measurement noted below.
LOW WAIST
Measure around the body approximately 1.5" below the natural waist (above). This is the area where most pants and skirts actually fit.
HIPS
Standing with your heels together, measure around the fullest part of the body approx 7"-8" below the waist.
NECK
Measure around the base of the neck keeping the tape measure comfortably loose.
SLEEVE
Bend elbow slightly and starting at the center back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, to the elbow and down to the wrist.
INSEAM
Our standard inseam length for women is 32" and 34" for men; however inseam measurements will vary slightly by style.
Belts with buckles are measured in inches that correspond to a waist size however, most people do not wear belts on the waist, they wear them closer to the hips. A buckle belt measurement is take from the end of the "pin" of the buckle to the middle hole on the belt. Generally there are 5 holes for size adjustment, with a 1" space between each, so the middle hole will the be average size of the belt.
For at tie belt (no buckle) measure the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This again is the medium size of the belt.
For a soft fabric tie belt it can be called "1 size fits most" and the entire length of the belt should be measured and listed.
See buckle/tie belt size standards below.
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
inches
26 - 30
28 - 32
31 - 35
34 - 38
38 - 42
cm
76 - 86
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
inches
30 - 34
32 - 36
35 - 39
39 - 43
43 - 47
cm
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
109 - 119
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
Sash tie length
Lay sash/tie out flat away from the garment and measure from end to end.
Belt with buckle
Measure from the end of the pin of the buckle (where it touches the buckle) to the middle hole.
Belt without buckle
Measure from the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This is will give you the medium size of the belt.
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
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UNICEF Market's artisan-direct prices are made possible through our partnership with NOVICA, a leading fair trade organization that works directly with artisans in remote regions around the world in many of the same communities where UNICEF has missions. NOVICA’s ten global Artisan Empowerment Hubs in Asia, Africa, and Latin America provide interest-free microcredit loans to artisans and help them bring their handmade creations directly to you.
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