Eggshell Mosaic Centerpiece, "Gilded Flower"

Resplendent in glorious artistry, floriated medallions link their magnificent allure in the embellishment of this extraordinary centerpiece. Nantana Sompamitre works alongside her trained artisans to create this piece, akin to a traditional offering bowl. Sompamitre's endeavor seeks to preserve Thailand's kruang-kern (lacquerware) heritage, and this piece exhibits her refined artistry.

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. To decorate this piece, the artisan abrades floral motifs with a sharp tool evidencing her artistic instinct.

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.