Guides

Looking for a gift that will truly wow an interior designer? I have pulled together a short list of handcrafted pieces that feel personal, rare, and ready to become a focal point in any studio or home. Below are ten standout options, each with a quick note on who will love it most. Every piece is handcrafted in Isfahan, curated in Paris, and shipped worldwide from Paris.

1. Hand-Painted Polo Scene Mirror – Indigo (33.5×28 cm)

The Hand-Painted Polo Scene Mirror in Indigo has a wooden frame that is hand-painted with a vivid polo scene. The tiny riders and horses look like they are moving across the surface. It works well in a modern loft or a classic Parisian apartment because the indigo tones add a pop without clashing. The artisans in Isfahan spend hours on the fine line work, layering pigments to give depth. It is a mirror you actually stare at: the reflection becomes part of the art. The frame measures 33.5 × 28 cm overall, with a 22 × 16 cm mirror insert, and it stands freestanding on a back support. One thing to note: the piece is one-of-one, so it will not match a set.

2. Hand-Painted Polo Scene Mirror – Turquoise (33.5×28 cm)

The turquoise version of the polo scene mirror is the same size as the indigo one but dressed in cooler colour. It brings a fresh, airy feel to a space that leans toward cool neutrals. The miniature-style painting shows horses in motion, each brushstroke adding texture. Designers who love a subtle statement will appreciate the way the mirror catches light and reflects colour. It is also a conversation starter because the scene feels like a snapshot from a Persian manuscript. Because each frame is painted by hand, no two mirrors are identical.

3. Handmade Khatam Jewelry Box – Caravan Journey

The Caravan Journey box combines two crafts: a hand-painted miniature of a caravan crossing a desert, and khatam-kari marquetry. Khatam is built from fine rods of wood, bone and brass that are bundled, sliced and hand-assembled into geometric patterns, which is why the star-burst motif reads as instantly Persian. The interior and the edges carry the same marquetry patterning, and the whole box is sealed under a clear protective finish. At 20 × 5 × 3 cm it suits pens, rings or tiny keepsakes, so it is a good fit for a designer who likes to keep small tools organised yet stylish. The warm earthy tones echo desert sunsets, making it a calm desk accessory. A small caveat: the painted surface needs gentle handling and should be kept away from moisture.

4. Handmade Wooden Decorative Box – Tazhib Khatam (S, M, L)

The Tazhib Khatam decorative boxes come in three sizes, each wrapped inside and out in full khatam marquetry of wood, bone and brass, and topped with a hand-painted tazhib lid. Tazhib is the Persian art of illumination, the gold-and-pigment ornament historically used on manuscript pages, here painted by hand onto wood rather than paper. Collectors love the trio because they can stack or display them together, creating a layered look on a shelf. The sizes are 12 × 10 × 6 cm, 14 × 10 × 6 cm and 16 × 10 × 6 cm, and everything is finished under a gloss resin. Pricing varies by size, so you can choose a piece that fits your budget. The limitation to keep in mind: these are small display boxes, so they hold jewelry and keepsakes rather than bulky items.

5. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Golmorgh (14 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

The Golmorgh box shows birds perched among blossoms, all rendered in textured miniature paint. The raised strokes give a three-dimensional feel, while the khatam border frames the scene like a miniature portrait. The interior is lined in deep velvet to protect delicate pieces. It is a great fit for a designer who enjoys nature motifs and wants a compact storage solution. Because each brushstroke is unique, the box feels like a tiny artwork rather than a generic container. Keep in mind the lid is hand-finished, so it may show tiny variations.

6. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Golshan Garden Motif

The Golshan box depicts a lush garden with birds and floral patterns. The miniature painting is done by artisans trained in classical Persian techniques, and the surrounding khatam marquetry of wood, brass and natural bone adds a geometric contrast. The velvet-lined interior keeps jewelry safe from scratches. Designers who favour organic, garden-inspired decor will find this piece fits well on a vanity or a studio shelf. The only limitation is the size: at 10 × 12 × 4.8 cm it holds small items but not larger tools.

7. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Leili o Majnoun Miniature (20×7×5 cm)

Inspired by the famous Persian love story, the lid of the Leili o Majnoun box shows a tender scene of the lovers rendered in a delicate hand-painted miniature. The romantic narrative adds emotional depth, making it more than a storage item. Khatam-kari marquetry, the inlay of wood, brass and natural bone, frames the artwork and gives it a heritage-rich edge. The velvet-lined interior is well suited to jewelry, letters or cherished mementos. It is a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates storytelling through objects. At 20 × 7 × 5 cm the box has a slender, elongated form that lends itself to display, though that narrow footprint also means it is not the piece for chunkier jewelry.

8. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Peacock Garden (16 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

The Peacock Garden box comes in two art variants, a blue border and a gold border, both at 16 × 10 × 4.5 cm. Each features a peacock with a garden backdrop, hand-painted with textured detail that gives the feathers a raised, luminous effect. Inside, a velvet lining protects small treasures, and a khatam marquetry frame runs around the artwork. Designers who love bold, eye-catching accents will enjoy displaying this box on a desk or coffee table. The clear protective lacquer shields the paint, but the surface should be wiped with a soft dry cloth only.

Browse the full range in the Khatam Collector Boxes collection.

9. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Polo Riders (14 × 10 × 4.5 cm)

Another nod to the polo motif, the Polo Riders box shows riders on horseback in a dynamic composition inspired by classical manuscript art. The miniature painting is sealed under a glossy resin finish, which gives a smooth surface and protects the art from wear. The marquetry border adds a classic geometric frame, the interior is a velvet-lined deep compartment, and the lift-top lid closes on a reinforced structure. At 14 × 10 × 4.5 cm it is a compact option for a designer who likes sport-themed decor. One limitation: the hand-painted surface should be kept away from water and sharp objects.

10. Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box – Sadaf Long Box with Miniature & Khatam

The Sadaf Long Box blends two Persian arts: delicate miniature painting on the lid and full khatam marquetry of wood, brass and bone on every side. Three colour schemes, ruby and gold, olive and turquoise, deep blue and gold, let you match the box to a client palette. The interior is lined with plush velvet and the box stands on tiny hand-cut wooden feet. At 16 × 10 × 4.5 cm it is ideal for jewelry, watches, cards or small design swatches. The intricate inlay makes each piece feel like a museum object, and because every lid is painted by hand, no two are the same. The limitation is capacity: it is a keepsake box, not a storage solution for larger items.

How to Choose the Right Piece

• Consider the recipient colour palette: cool tones suit turquoise or blue-border pieces, warm tones pair with indigo or gold-border options.
• Think about the intended use: a hand-painted mirror makes a bold wall or console statement, while a khatam box offers private storage.
• Check the size of the space where the gift will live; larger boxes need a shelf or side table.
• Remember each item is one-of-one; there is no exact match elsewhere.

FAQ

What makes a handcrafted gift special for interior designers?

Handcrafted gifts carry a story and a level of detail that mass-produced items lack, so designers can showcase unique pieces in their projects.

Are Pilardi pieces truly one-of-one?

Yes. Every item listed is hand-painted and hand-assembled by artisans in Isfahan and shipped from Paris, so each one carries its own variations.

What exactly is khatam-kari?

Khatam-kari is Persian marquetry. Fine rods of wood, bone and brass are bundled together, sliced into thin discs and hand-assembled into geometric patterns, and some pieces also include mother-of-pearl. The finished surface is sealed under a clear protective resin.

How should I care for a khatam-kari box?

Keep it out of direct sunlight, wipe gently with a dry cloth, and avoid moisture and harsh chemicals; the marquetry will stay sharp for years.

Can I return a Pilardi gift if it is not right?

Check the current store policies on pilardi.fr for details on returns, eligibility and timelines before you order.

Do these gifts suit commercial interior design studios?

Yes. The pieces add a touch of art that can inspire clients and lift a studio aesthetic.

Ready to add a one-of-one piece to a designer collection? Shop the khatam collector boxes or browse the hand-painted mirrors.

Start by picking the item that matches the designer style, add it to your cart, and it ships worldwide from Paris in protective, gift-ready packaging.

Conclusion

If you want a gift that feels personal, rare, and instantly lifts a studio, choose a Pilardi handcrafted piece. Click through to the product page, add it to your cart, and let the artisan story become part of their next project.