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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 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.

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 mango wood mirror. Nantana Sompamitre works with traditional Thai techniques, etching the motifs free-hand on the sleek background.

Keep your most treasured rings, necklaces, earrings and more on a luxurious jewelry box embellished with gold leaf accents, exquisite hand-painted floral and vine motifs and five coats of lacquer for an elegant lustrous finish. This lovely accessory fit for a queen is crafted from walnut wood and decorated entirely by hand by Uzbek artisan Mukhamedali in the tradition of the classic lacquer miniature paintings of the city of Bukhara that date back to the 16th century.

You won’t find a more original way to keep your rings, bracelets and other precious belongings always safe and organized than with this heavenly jewelry box crafted in the tradition of the lacquer miniature paintings of the city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan, which date back to the 16th century. Working with these classic techniques, Uzbek artisan Mukhamedali adorns a walnut wood box entirely by hand with gold leaf accents, hand-painted floral and vine motifs and five coats of lacquer for extra gloss and protection.

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.