piece of art

The melody of art inspires the unique design of this vase featuring a flute-like neck and brim. Daeng Thanunchai crafts the piece by hand with coiled bamboo and several coats of lacquer, which he prepares with natural materials. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen in shades of red and black.

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.

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.

This original vase is set on fire with bright hues of orange adorning its volcanic shape. Daeng Thanunchai handcrafts this piece from coiled bamboo, transforming the vase into a fascinating work of art with ancient lacquer techniques. A magnificent piece, this vase is the ideal housewarming gift. Not watertight.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from trees - 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 and 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.

The Aral Sea accompanies Uzbekistan every day, in every season, and for eternity, inspiring Mukhamedali to create a gorgeous collection inspired by this stunning landscape and its nature. Working with walnut wood, the artisan crafts a lacquered jewelry box featuring a traditional pattern on the lid, painted by hand in a palette of blue and yellow hues that add a serene touch to the flowers adorning the piece.

A glossy bowl of mango wood showcases Nantana Sompamitre's art. This exquisite bowl is lacquered inside and out, the outer surface is richly adorned in gold. 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. The piece is gilded with a technique called lai rot nam, and it 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.

Nantana Sompamitre orchestrates a floral revelry detailed in purple for the design of this decorative box. Hand-carved of mango wood, the etched images are underscored by glossy black lacquer in the tradition of Thai décor.