When I started wholesaling crystal in gift shows in Canada in the mid-seventies, I would meet characters from all over the world. There were so many interesting stories about their travels and the products they discovered and brought back to sell for a profit. One world traveler spent quite some time in Tibet.
He brought back hand woven carpets that were pieces of art, not be used for walking on. I have kept this for many, many years. Recently, I let it join the collection of worldly possessions which I have let go to make way for a smaller footprint.
He also imported beautiful hand painted lacquer boxes. Gold paint and hand lacquered over with their fingers, not a brush or spray.