earthy decor

Made with a crackled finish and gorgeous brown hues that imitate Earth's natural look, this adorable ceramic flower pot by Pa & Suksun of Thailand is the perfect addition to a serene garden. Traditional techniques create a lovely look in the piece, accented with little legs and a whole that allows drainage.

Terrestrial elegance inspires this handcrafted bowl, as earthen tones combine in an intriguing and evolving surface pattern. Daeng Thanunchai creates the piece with traditional Thai lacquer techniques, using a deep vermilion tone to evoke a soothing ambiance in any setting. For decorative purposes only.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is carved into the desired shape on a lathe. 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, then 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.

Mango wood displays an intricate mosaic that evokes the living earth. Nantana Sompamitre practices the ancient Thai art of eggshell mosaic on a mango wood box. The elegant coffer is then lacquered according to time honored traditions.

Mango wood displays an intricate mosaic that evokes the living earth. Nantana Sompamitre practices the ancient Thai art of eggshell mosaic. The gracefully curving rectangle is then lacquered according to time honored traditions.

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.

This unique decorative plate is the creation of Daeng Thanunchai in Thailand. The plate is crafted through an elaborate process of forming the coiled bamboo on a lathe, and then applying several layers of a lacquer mixed with the ashes of burnt rice-paddy husks. Subsequent layers of colored lacquers and clear lacquer are applied, and the plate is sanded between each application. A final polishing with powdered fired clay gives the plate a gloriously glossy finish.

This unique decorative plate is the creation of Daeng Thanunchai in Thailand. The plate is crafted through an elaborate process of forming the coiled bamboo on a lathe, and then applying several layers of a lacquer mixed with the ashes of burnt rice-paddy husks. Subsequent layers of colored lacquers and clear lacquer are applied, and the plate is sanded between each application. A final polishing with powdered fired clay gives the plate a gloriously glossy finish.

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.

Mango wood displays an intricate mosaic that evokes the living earth. Nantana Sompamitre practices the ancient Thai art of eggshell mosaic. The gracefully curving piece is then lacquered according to time honored traditions.

Soaring through the sky weaving in and out of clouds, a mighty dragon guards the heavens and Earth. Detailed with refined artistry, the dragon reigns over a decorative celadon plate from Thailand's Duangkamol. A plastic stand displays the plate's magnificence.

In Thailand, devas, or "angels," are beings of exquisite grace and beauty that live in the heaven of sensuous pleasure. They often visit Earth to help and protect humanity, or to bring messages from the gods. Working in the style of Burma, Tay Nontawat creates an exquisite deva, demonstrating the graceful movements known as leela. Raintree wood is the artisan's medium, lending its grain to a swirling arabesque of leafy tendrils.

Buddha's presence inspires a welcome sense of serenity in this photograph by Brendan O'Connell. Printed in black and white, the angle of the photo that captures the swirling clouds in the sky adds to the composition's sense of mysticism. This stuccoed stone sculpture portrays Buddha in the Bhumisparsha mudra posture, also known as "calling Earth to witness." Situated in Wat Sa Si, this depiction of Buddha is characteristic of Thailand's Sukhothai period (at the end of 14th century). Printed on matte paper, the photograph arrives in a pinewood frame with a protective glass pane.