Passed along from generation to generation, the ancient craft of papel amate was taught to Julio Laja Chichicaxtle by his parents and grandparents. Working with amate paper, handcrafted from six varieties of bark, he learned to create the intricately worked, cut and appliquéd designs associated with the art. Chichicaxtle's creations are a group effort, representing not only his skills in the paper craft but also the artistic contributions of his entire family. This uniquely Mexican art form dates back to pre-Hispanic times and is characterized by its delicate, textural forms, beautifully realized in Chichicaxtle's modern, abstract interpretation. These intricately hand-crafted pieces are created out of stock paper and framed with a single white back mat and matte black wood frame.