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Though the technique of lacquerware actually originated in China, it spread to northern Thailand centuries ago and firmly took hold there. Artisan Nantana Sompamitre crafts this delightful duck box from mango wood and paints it carefully with stylized feathers and floral motifs. The result is a very special box in which to store your prized treasures. The Lanna Kingdom is now northern Thailand.

Working in aluminium repoussé, Nantana Sompamitre details elegant plumage. These hand-carved boxes take the form of peacocks. Serenely beautiful, the petite pair is an extraordinary example of traditional Thai lacquer work.

Swans inspire the regal design of this decorative box by Nantana Sompamitre. He carves the box of rain tree wood and finishes it lustrous black lacquer. He details the swan’s majestic wings and tail with gold foil.

Nestled comfortably and poised elegantly, this hen watches the world around her. Her presence inspires this original box, ideal for the kitchen décor. Nantana Sompamitre brings to life this admirable mango wood box with the extraordinary art of Thai lacquer work.

Gilded flowers bloom on black Thai lacquer to surround a tabletop mirror. Nantana Sompamitre works with traditional Thai techniques, etching the motifs free-hand on the sleek background.

Faintly darkened rings orbit this vase's exotic appeal, while a green nebulous stain evokes a sense of antiquity. Daeng Thanunchai handcrafts this piece from coiled bamboo, and transforms it into a mesmerizing work of art with ancient lacquer techniques. This vase is for decorative use only, and makes a rich accent piece. Available in two sizes.

Leaning on a log, a whimsical elephant contemplates his role in Thailand's timber industry. Nantana Sompamitre crafts a charming pencil holder in gilded black lacquer. She carves rain tree wood into the desired shape and coats it with lacquer. Once dried it is polished, and another coat is applied – up to twenty times – before as many six coats of pure lacquer are present. The final layer is polished with powdered fired clay. The piece is gilded with a technique called lai rot nam. Sompamitre engraves the motif free-hand with a sharp tool, and the piece is dusted with a wooden powder. Then the background is covered with a gummy paint, and dusted again. A thin coat of lacquer is applied to the entire surface and, before it dries, gold leaves are placed over it and firmly pressed into place. Brass rings protect the openings.

Like an ancient vessel found on temple altars, this handcrafted vase preserves an aura of rustic elegance. Presented by Nantana Sompamitre, the mango wood vase features a carefully affixed eggshell mosaic - evidencing Thailand's sumptuous lacquer ware legacy. Not watertight.

To craft a piece such as this one, mango wood is carefully hand-shaped upon a lathe and then a mixture of lacquer - obtained from trees and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks - is applied. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal which is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper and several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

Next, chicken or duck eggshells are thoroughly cleaned and finely cracked to be patiently arranged in a mosaic pattern upon a fresh coat of lacquer. The work again lacquered twice, and when dry it is sanded in water until the eggshells slowly appear. The piece is finally rinsed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, resulting in an alluring distinctive gleam.

Care Instructions: Lacquerware is not dishwasher safe. When cleaning is needed, simply clean with a damp cloth and never use any type of abrasive cleaner.

Like a scene of nature's chemistry, soothing green tones ascend this unusual vase in an evolution of expressive rings. Presented by Daeng Thanunchai, the piece revels in the glassy surface of lacquered design. A modern and original Thai accent for the home. Not intended for use with water.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is carved into the desired shape on a lathe. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper. Then several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface, then the object is left to dry for a few days. The process remains identical for each ensuing color, alternating lacquering and polishing sessions until the design is achieved. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen.