Throughout this special season, we’ve given quite a bit of thought to the concept of generous giving. What is it about certain gifts that makes them feel truly generous? We know that it isn’t simply the price point, or even the level of luxury. Our most cherished gifts have always been those that were chosen with intention–gifts that showed the thought and care that went into selecting them. For our 2018 Gift Guide, we’ve pulled together special, one-of-a-kind items just right for every personality type.

The Thinker

One of our favorite aspects of Chinese scholars’ instruments is the way they celebrate inspiration and process, rather than just production. Writer, painter, sculptor or student—what better way to honor and encourage the deep thinkers in your life, than with objects designed to spark and foster creativity?

Meditating on their intriguing compositions, Chinese scholars saw dahu stones as symbols for the universe at large., and thought gazing at them could inspire great insight. This contemporary example is mounted on an elevated wooden base.

Chinese innovations in ink, block printing and movable type helped spread the written word around the globe. Each miniature block included in this set was hand-carved with care. Used at the turn of the 20th century, each is a unique and wonderful curiosity, and a monument to the power of the written word.

A brush pot or bitong, such as this one, was traditionally used to hold the calligraphy brushes of scholars. This beautiful example is carved from zitan, a highly-prized rare, slow-growing hardwood. Mother of pearl and soapstone inlays are shaped into decorative prune branches. It would make a stunning addition to a desktop, vanity or coffee table.

The Rebel 

Though shopping for the iconoclasts on our list can be challenging at times, it can also be a great deal of fun. Our favorite picks are those that walk the fine line between elegance and irreverence—an interesting mix of yin and yang.

Known as “tattoo flash,” these colorful drawings created by self-taught tattoo artists, shine a light on the outlaw spirit of an earlier time. These works adorned the walls of a tattoo parlor in the 1930’s and 40’s and are wildly collectible today.

In 17th-century Japan, kimono-clad men wore small pouches attached to their sashes by button-like fasteners known as netsuke. Although practical in purpose, netsukes were exquisitely carved of ivory or wood. Perhaps reserved for more intimate occasions, the inside of this strawberry netsuke contains an erotic scene.

To create this one-of-a-kind necklace, one of the most ephemeral natural objects was preserved for all time. This genuine spiral orb spider web was highlighted in fine metallic coating, and protected by beveled glass. Since no web can ever be precisely duplicated, no two such necklaces will ever be quite alike.

The Timeless Beauty

With a taste for the sophisticated and ethereal, this person has an eye for anything uniquely fine and masterfully made. Lasting pieces that speak to a rich and storied provenance are the way to captivate and delight this taste-maker.

Created by artisans in Shanghai, this beautiful statement necklace features three early 20th-century jade pendants. Valued for its rarity, jade symbolizes excellence and is believed to guard against illness. Now strung on an intricate hand-knotted cord, the charms are transformed into a bold contemporary piece.

Carved from bone, this leaf with a central chrysanthemum medallion was once a waist charm, meant to bring comfort, luck and longevity. We’ve mounted this lace-like sculpture on a custom steel stand for optimal viewing.

Worn in the front of a fine lady’s coiffure during the Qing-dynasty, this elaborately designed silver hairpin branches into a large flower blossom on a coiled spring that would have danced with each step.

The Gentleman with Everything

Stories and experiences are the way to capture the imagination of this sophisticated, world-traveler. Pieces with intriguing, unexpected narratives are the perfect fit.

This exquisitely crafted 19th-century brazier was once filled with hot coals and used to warm wealthy hands in northern China. Hand-wrought of white brass, the pierced top is decorated with bats and a central shou character–symbols of great prosperity.

This powerful Japanese netsuke, circa 1880, was carved from an ancient mammoth tusk, and may have originally been a gift for the well-to-do. This fine example with its striking and rare embellishment was certainly a prized status symbol then, and is highly desirable now.

Once worn by Chinese archers to protect their thumbs from bows, and later adopted by affluent men as fashion accessories—archer’s rings are more than simple objects of beauty. They are considered by many to be talisman–offering protection to the wearer.

The Design Star

A visionary with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and a respect for history, this taste-maker would rather go without than bring home something not-quite-right.

Custom made by artisans exclusively for PAGODA RED, this unique tablet holder is made from reclaimed Elmwood. Aside from its practicality, the earthiness of the worn wood anchors and elevates electronics.

This beautiful set—at only four inches tall—is painstakingly constructed in minute detail. Made in Northern China from prized Huanghuali wood, the joinery techniques, proportions and clean lines reflect the best of Chinese furniture design.

Wondering if the lampshade will work? Measure in style, with this fun, faceted tape, housed in elegant rosewood.

For more gifts ideas, see our entire Gift Collection.