hand carved

Leaning on a log, a flirty elephant boasts colorful floral attire. Nantana Sompamitre crafts a whimsical pencil holder. 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 painted by hand, and brass rings protect the openings.

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.

Nantana Sompamitre presents this captivating sea turtle, which he believes to augur good fortune and long life. Sompamitre carves the turtle from mango wood using manual tools, achieving an exceptionally detailed piece. Painted with by hand, the turtle receives several coats of lacquer, which Sompamitre prepares from the Gluta usitata tree and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks.

Moo and Aud bring us a unique sculpture hand-carved in Thailand. This raintree wood chicken features black and gold tones, adding a luxurious touch to the piece. The final touch is in the little glass accents that make a glowing piece of art perfect for any environment.

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.

This cheerful baby elephant lifts up its trunk in celebration and smiles endearingly. Nantana Sompamitre hand-carves the statuette from local mango wood and paints florid hearts on the tip of the trunk, the back and front. The statuette receives several coats of lacquer, which Sompamitre prepares from the Gluta usitata tree and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks. The tusks are made of plastic.

Discover the perfect blend of utility and charm with this endearing zebra phone holder. Thai artisan Patarawan’s whimsical design boasts a sturdy build and intricate hand-painted details on raintree wood. Let this adorable accessory not only keep your phone safe but also add a touch of artisanal elegance to your surroundings.

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.