Hand Painted Lacquered Wood Box, "Owl and Its Secrets"

Wise and poised, this owl looks out upon with a secret in its heart. When its head is lifted, its body reveals a secret compartment. Nantana Sompamitre designs this box with a tinge of complicity and magnificent artistry. She carves the owl from mango wood using manual tools to achieve an exceptionally detailed piece. Painted by hand, the owl receives several coats of lacquer, which Sompamitre prepares from the Gluta usitata tree and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks.