Kiln-fired memories of Nevis

(NECEE REGIS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)

NEVIS, West Indies - The impulse to purchase a souvenir on a tropical island vacation is a common one, though it does not always have the effect one wishes. Witness the glut of monkey key chains, parrot earrings, and palm tree mugs at yard sales all over New England.

However, if you're vacationing in this part of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, you'll find terrific mementos of your Caribbean sojourn at Bocane Ceramics and Gift Studio.

Artist and businesswoman Cheryl Liburd moved her studio to Nevis in 1997 and opened this shop to showcase her ceramics. The expansive and sunny store, on the main road that circles this small island, is the perfect place to display her colorful collection of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted bowls, platters, vases, lamps, decorative tiles, and more. All these white stoneware objects are safe for food and can be put in the microwave and dishwasher.

The imagery on each piece reflects the island environment: palm trees, hibiscus flowers, sugar mills, hummingbirds, island cottages, pineapples, monkeys, coral reefs, and fish. Your suntan may fade, but this pottery will keep its bright colors, and probably not wind up at a summer yard sale.

Bocane Ceramics and Gift Studio, Main Street, Stoney Grove, Nevis, W.I., 869-469-5437, bocaneceramics.com.

NECEE REGIS