Lacquerware Boxes

Thailand in general and Chiang Mai in particular is world renowned for it's outstanding lacquerware - small lacquered boxes and general objects d'art delicately painted and hand etched in soul-calming landscapes or intricate floral patterns. The steps required to make each piece are many and varied. Several dedicated craftsmen lend their specialized skills to each item as it progresses from a rough-hewn block of mango wood into an exquisite treasure box - a process that typically takes months to realize.

First, a block is cut from either teak or mango wood and fashioned into the desired shape. Then, up to 7 separate coats of lacquer are applied, with each coat allowed to dry slowly in an atmosphere of high humidity. To aide this, the craftsmen work on an elevated bamboo platform spanning a wide stream, and the best lacquer coats are produced during the monsoon season in Thailand (which lasts from April into October of most years).

But where does this lacquer come from? It is collected from the living mango trees by the ancient and still most effective method: by collecting it in an "artificial limb". A small piece of the tree bark is cut away and a sharpened piece of bamboo is driven upwards several inches into the trees trunk. The tree responds by releasing a thick golden resin (sap) which flows into the bamboo "limb", filling it overnight. In the morning, the resin-filled bamboo receptacle is removed, providing enough resin for several boxes. Pigment is added to this thick, oily resin and it is thinned into lacquer.

Once the last luxurious coat of deep black lacquer has thoroughly dried, the etcher and the painter begin their work. Each etched design is created freehand with a long bamboo quill, producing fine groves in the thick black lacquer coating. There is no tracing, no draftsman's rule, no mechanical aides to help the artist with each indelible mark. One mistake and the laborious process of reapplying the lacquer coats must begin anew. Once the etching has been completed, a painter mixes the proper shade and applies it to the piece. This pigment is then quickly removed from the surface, allowing it to remain in the fine lines left by the quill. This process is repeated for each separate color until, finally, another masterpiece is finished.

We are sure you'll agree that our handmade Thai Lacquer Boxes are among the finest available, combining exotic all natural materials with old-world craftsmanship.