Pecking Parrots Balance Toy — Orange

A small wonder from the Channapatna toy-making tradition: three carved parrots on a saffron-orange base; connected by a hidden string and counterweight. A gentle pull sets them pecking in turn — a tiny mechanical joy that has delighted generations of Indian children. Hand-turned in non-toxic vegetable dyes and sealed with beeswax; the piece is safe for small hands and quietly mesmerising for grown-up ones.

A return to the toy that came before screens.