lovely decor

A natural combination of brown and black evokes the earthen mystique of this handcrafted plate. The enigmatic swirls of color at once hypnotize and inspire, revealing the decorative beauty of this one-of-a-kind item by Daeng Thanunchai.

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.

With an earthen finish, this handcrafted plate makes a characteristic addition to your home decor. The enigmatic swirls of color at once hypnotize and inspire, revealing the decorative beauty of this one-of-a-kind item by Daeng Thanunchai.

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.

Perpetuating Thailand's ancient lacquerware tradition, Subin Tositarat presents this beautiful catchall. The decorative bowl depicts floral vines, with delicate motifs that are engraved and painted by hand.

Perpetuating Thailand's ancient lacquerware tradition, Subin Tositarat presents this beautiful decorative bowl. The decorative bowl depicts wisteria vines, with delicate motifs that are engraved and painted by hand.

Daeng Thanunchai balances this decorative bamboo bowl with contrasting visual textures. The elegant external pattern of green on a black background illustrates the continual evolution of lacquer work in Northern Thailand. Mosaic eggshell patterns adorn the interior, resulting in a singular acquisition for the home.

Coated with glossy lacquer, Daeng Thanunchai's decorative plate makes for a show-stopping centerpiece. Using a lathe, Thai artisans carve the plate from coiled bamboo, coating the surface in several layers of lacquer to create the concentric spiral motif.

Walking through a forest of golden foliage, a family of elephants enjoys a day of leisure. This scene of tradition is inspired by the mural paintings of central Thailand. Nantana Sompamitre hand-carves the statuette from mango wood and coats it with several layers of lacquer, which she prepares from the Gluta usitata tree and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks.

Sompamitre executes the moving scene with a traditional gilding technique called lai rot nam (watered pattern). First the patterns are engraved free-hand with a sharp-pointed tool, and then the piece is dusted with a wooden powder. The black background is covered with a yellow gummy paint, which comes from a tree resin that has been placed in water for a day. After that, a thin coat of lacquer is applied to the entire surface and, before it dries, gold leaf is placed over it. The piece is then left to dry for approximately 20 hours. Finally, the whole lacquerware is thoroughly rinsed in water rinsing out impurities or unattached gold leaf. The result is a piece of rich artistry, where shimmering gold engraved designs contrast against a high-gloss black background.

Embellished with real gold, Subin Tositarat's beautiful decorative box makes a lovely piece of home decor. Thai artisans hand carve the box from mango wood, coating the inside and outside with a glossy black lacquer. On the lid, a 24k gold foil elephant pops against the dark background.

Lotus lovers will adore this pair of lacquerware boxes from Subin Tositarat. Thai artisans hand carve the pair from mango wood, coating each box in several layers of glossy black lacquer for a beautiful shine. The lotus motif shimmers, created with 24k gold foil.

Carved from raintree wood, a delightful lacquer ware turtle couple is painted by hand with lovely floral motifs. Nantana Sompamitre creates this charming pair of decorative boxes. Each turtle's shell lifts up to reveal an interior for storing small items and valuables.

Thailand's Nantana Sompamitre conjures a floral fantasy detailed in blue for the design of this decorative box. Hand-carved of mango wood, the etched images are underscored by glossy black lacquer.

Take a trip to the Thai countryside with Subin Tositarat's lovely lacquerware box. Thai artisans hand carve the box from mango wood, coating the inside and outside with a glossy black lacquer. On the lid, a hand-painted village scene pops against the dark background.