FAQ'S
It is important to remember that our products are recommend for ages 12 and older.
GENERAL SHIPPING INFORMATION
All of our items are shipped via FedEx (some by UPS & USPS). Shipping costs are calculated on a per item basis. Anytime we can combine one order of multiple products into the same box, we will do so and calculated the lower shipping costs accordingly.
To use our online shopping cart, you must provide a complete street address as FedEx / UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box.
They will attempt 3 times to deliver your order. If no one is at your address a notice will be left where you must pick up your order.
Please allow 48 hours for order processing and packaging, in addition to shipping delivery times shown. All shipments are carefully packaged and triple checked for accuracy. Shortages are extremely rare.
All FedEx & UPS orders will be shipped “signature required” for your protection. If you are not there you’ll need to pick up your order at the carrier’s closest facility to avoid additional shipping harges.
Claims for shortages or incorrect parts must be made within 24 hours after receipt of goods. Check your packaging and order carefully.
PAYMENTS
We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover Credit Cards as well as PAYPAL processed through our secure gateway system via Authorize.net and / or PayPal.
All payments are processed through these two well-recognized companies to assure you that the best procedures are followed when accepting you payment. Unfortunately, we do not accept personal checks at this time.
SOME FACTS ABOUT US
Founded in 1999, "A Lost Art" is a direct importer, distributor and wholesaler of high quality eco-friendly hand-carved wooden sculptures, organic wood formations and handicrafts from Southeast Asia. Owner, David Meller’s original goal was to save and preserve the ancient art form of hand-carving and introduce it to the United States.
The Asian market had been forcing artists to create smaller, less detailed sculptures and David’s vision was to resurrect this “lost” art. Through his efforts these beautifully detailed and elaborate creations are once again available. Additionally, A Lost Art has helped to stimulate the local Thai and Balinese economies, creating jobs for many of these incredibly talented artists.
A Lost Art is now the largest importer of strictly hand-carved teak wood elephants in the United States with a vast inventory housed in its Los Angeles, CA based warehouse. A Lost Art recently added a new line of products including wooden animal money banks and musical instruments, some of which are created in our own facilities in Asia.
HAND-CARVINGS
Each piece is created from naturally fallen Teakwood and other exotic woods which are among the most durable and long withstanding hard woods found in the area. No living tree is ever cut.
To appreciate this are one must comprehend the complex creative process from the conception of a piece of wood in hand to the completion of a spectacular hand-carved work of art.
The artist carefully select’s the wood for each individual carving to obtain optimum detail and character. Each piece is meticulously carved using special hand tools and wooden mallets. No power tools are ever used!
Color variations are then achieved by dying the wood with indigenous berries, which are only in season one month out of year.
The finishing touch is the artist’s signature on the beautiful one-of-a-kind sculpture.
These magnificent sculptures have found a place in homes and institutions that are dedicated to the preservation of the trinity of nature, animals, and art.
(Note: Plantation grown teak has become available in recent years.)
