Hand-carved slices of shesham, mango, papri and tune woods take the shape of a face, and the Many Woods Eyeglasses Rest puts the fun in functional. Meaning “hope” in Sanskrit, Asha Handicrafts is an Indian fair trade organization that has been working to promote the social and economic development of artisans throughout India for more than 40 years. Asha works with more than 50 producer groups and more than 1,200 makers across India, including skilled artisans in Sarahanpur, the center of traditional woodworking in India.

• Eyeglasses rest made of shehsam, mango, papri and tune woods
• 6.5H inches, base is 3.5SQ inches
• Handmade in India

A fair trade organization, Asha represents more than 6,500 artisans in 10 states of India. The association’s name, meaning “hope” in Sanskrit, represents its goal to sustain the marketing ability of individual and family–based artisans. A not–for–profit organization, Asha works to ensure that benefits of handicraft production reach the craftspeople themselves. Asha promotes sustainability and helps eliminate producer debt through direct purchases and advance payments. Producer benefits include educational assistance for children, medical checkups and treatment, a health center at Saharanpur, savings programs for artisans and spouses, nonformal education projects and relief–related social projects.