Lacquered wood offering centerpiece, "Khantok"
Mystic in conception and antique in artistry, this lacquer khantok offering tray exudes solemn elegance and tradition. Nantana Sompamitre works alongside her trained artisans to create this piece, and 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 up to twenty times, building up a rigid base, and a final polish is given with a sandpaper-like leaf. Then up to six coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat. The final layer is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, giving it a gleaming shine. Next a gilding technique called lai rot nam (watered pattern), is applied whereby it is firstly 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 lacquer ware 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.
- 2.19 kgs
- 4.8 lbs
- 20.5 cm H x 39 cm Diam.
- 8" H x 15.25" Diam.
Gift Info
- Email this item in advance of a gift.
- Email this item as a gift suggestion.
- Free Gift Wrap? No
- Premium Gift Wrap? No
Purchased this? Leave your review.
Verified Reviewer
01/29/2021
"Adorable little boxes"





These boxes are adorable! The flowers are cute and well painted. Theyre perfect for storing rings or small earrings and they look great on the shelf.
Best Uses
- jewelry storage
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
12/17/2020
"nice cat"





looks good. Thank you
Purchased Item:
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
11/10/2020
"the perfect gift"





I bought this for a friend - c cat lover of course - and she really loved it. Dont hesitate - if you like cats get it! very nice quality
Best Uses
- decoration
Purchased Item:
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)

Verified Reviewer
11/04/2020
"Friends gift"





This was for my best friend for her birthday and she loved.the gift.
Purchased Item:
Blue Floral Heart, Thai Blue and Black Lacquered Wood Heart Box
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
11/04/2020
"Lovely"





I didnt have a use for this box, I just bought it because it was beautiful. I have since bought 2 more boxes from this artisan.
Purchased Item:
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Verified Reviewer
11/04/2020
"Love these boxes."





This is the 3rd box Ive purchased from this artisan. They are well crafted and beautiful.
Was This Review Helpful?
Yes (0)
No (0)
Find Similar Items
Your Purchase Makes a Difference!
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
Cause Badges
Nantana Sompamitre
"It's all up to chance – it's up there in the air and you just have to grab it. If I hadn't, I would still be selling food."