footed bowl

An offering vessel of exceptional allure, this footed bowl by Daeng Thanunchai is similar to those found in Buddhist temples brimming with wondrous flowers. Thanunchai handcrafts this chalice from coiled bamboo, adding original decorative accents with broken eggshells in the interior. The exterior is radiant in green-tinted lacquer. A captivating adornment for a sophisticated interior.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - 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.

A glossy stallion sprints across the landscape in Ketut Rediana's fleet-footed sculpture. The Balinese artisan hand crafts the muscular horse from suar wood, carving the mane and tail flying straight back into the wind. Petite black onyx gems shine like real eyes, while a polished finish makes this piece an irresistible addition to your home decor.

Tradition is transformed into contemporary décor through Nantana Sompamitre's talented artistry. She handcrafts this precious footed bowl centerpiece in the image of Buddhist offering bowls. Sompamitre works with a team of skilled artisans trained by her, and together they seek to preserve Thailand's kruang-kern, or "lacquerware heritage.""This piece is inspired by the people's faith in Buddhism and their ceremonies," explains Sompamitre. "This is the real character of Lanna people, it represents this rich culture of ours."

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.