HIRZ

The Protective Amulet

HIRZ takes its name from the Arabic حِرْز (ḥirz)—a protective amulet, an object created to guard what is precious and preserve what is held within its protection.

Entirely handcrafted in Sofia, Bulgaria on solid spruce/fir wood, HIRZ brings together three traditional Yemeni khanjar jambiya daggers, genuine leather, copper fittings and natural star anise within a contemporary composition centred on protection.

The three jambiyas are removed from their original function and permanently integrated into the artwork. Traditionally connected with Yemeni identity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage, here the blades become still—their presence transformed from weapons into guardians. Their individual ornamentation, patina and traces of age are deliberately preserved as part of the work.

Three blades.

Three guardians.

One shield.

Behind them, a large piece of genuine leather forms the central protective field of the composition. Its natural surface and irregular outline evoke hide, armour and the ancient construction of shields. Copper fittings secure the form, while four natural star anise pods introduce an organic presence among the leather and metal.

HIRZ belongs to the Shield Artefacts series—a body of works exploring protection, guardianship and the human impulse to create physical forms around what is sacred, vulnerable or worth preserving.

Within HIRZ, protection does not arise from aggression. The blades remain visible, but their direction has changed. What once carried the potential to wound is held still within an object created around the idea of protection.

The blade remains a blade.

But its purpose has changed.

HIRZ exists as a contemporary protective artefact—part sculptural wall work, part shield and part vessel for objects carrying their own history. Aged metal, genuine leather, copper, natural elements and the hand-worked surface are allowed to retain their individual character, making the work feel simultaneously constructed and discovered.

Every HIRZ is entirely unique. No molds, prints or reproductions are ever created, making the work impossible to recreate exactly.

Dimensions

80 × 40 × 1.8 cm (31.5 × 15.7 × 0.7 in)

Materials

• Solid spruce/fir wood
• Three traditional Yemeni khanjar jambiya daggers
• Genuine leather
• Copper fittings
• Four natural star anise pods
• Acrylic
• Metallic pigments
• Protective finish

Craftsmanship

Each HIRZ is built entirely by hand in Sofia, Bulgaria. The genuine leather is individually shaped and mounted onto the solid wood surface with copper fittings, while four natural star anise pods are positioned around the central field. The three Yemeni khanjar jambiyas are then individually placed and permanently integrated into the composition.

The existing patina, ornamentation and traces of age carried by the jambiyas are intentionally preserved. Combined with natural leather, copper and individually worked surfaces, these elements ensure that no HIRZ can ever be duplicated exactly.

Certificate & Shipping

• One-of-a-kind original from the Shield Artefacts series
• Handcrafted in Sofia, Bulgaria
• Created on solid spruce/fir wood
• Incorporates three traditional Yemeni khanjar jambiya daggers
• Genuine leather, copper fittings and natural star anise
• Signed by the artists
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
• Carefully packaged for worldwide shipping
• Ready to hang

Living Stars Alchemy

Every Living Stars Alchemy creation is handcrafted in Sofia, Bulgaria as a one-of-a-kind original. Through natural materials, found and historic objects, layered craftsmanship and an original language of light, each work is created to become a lasting presence—bridging ancient memory, contemporary art and meaningful connection.