formal decor

Forming a circle, four quarter-round boxes display the ancient technique of lacquerware. Though the art form originated in China, the technique spread to northern Thailand centuries ago and firmly took hold there. Artisan Nantana Sompamitre crafts this set of four small boxes from mango wood and paints them carefully with floral motifs in tones of yellow and red.

Working in aluminum 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.

A serene forest transforms into a marvelous world, created by Mohammad Hussain Baba's exquisite talent. A papier mache surface on weeping willow wood forms this sublime decorative box from Indian lands. The accessory has a hand-painted tree scene where red, ivory, green and golden hues merge to create an enchanting illusion. As a lustrous touch, the piece features a lacquered finish.

By Nantana Sompamitre, this beautiful decorative bowl exemplifies one of Thailand's oldest art forms. It is lacquered inside and out, and adorned with bands of brown. She lathes the mango wood into the desired shape and coats it with lacquer. When dry, it is polished, and another coat is applied – up to twenty times – before as many six coats of pure lacquer are applied. The final layer is polished with powdered fired clay.

Golden flames inspired by Thailand's ancient temples form an intricate pattern on a lacquered black picture frame. Nantana Sompamitre's work is aimed at preserving Thailand's kruang-kern (lacquerware) traditions. She uses only natural materials and solutions, and the finished piece reveals a regal beauty.

Up to 26 coats of pure lacquer are applied to mango wood, polished with powdered fired clay, and gilded with a technique called lai rot nam, (watered pattern). Motifs are engraved free-hand and gold leaf is applied.