keybox

Dazzling on a sleek, dark square, a mosaic diamond reveals an ancient craft technique. Lacquerware was brought to Thailand from China centuries ago; today Thai artisans have developed their own unique styles. Nantana Sompamitre crafts a decorative box of dramatic beauty. She carves the mango wood into the desired shape and coats it with lacquer. Once dried it is polished, and another coat is applied – up to twenty times – before as many six coats of pure lacquer are present. Next, eggshells are cleaned and cracked into small pieces. Sompamitre arranges them in the desired pattern on a fresh coat of lacquer. The lid is lacquered twice more and sanded in water until the eggshells appear.

This ornate gilded box is crafted of mango wood by Nantana Sompamitre. She covers it with sleek black lacquer and applies gold foil. The design features a field of aligned pikuns, or flowers, in a mesmerizing pattern.

Empress of Mexico from 1864 to 1867, Doña Carlota was a Belgian princess who brought Parisian flair to her new home in Mexico. Handcrafted by Ana Maria Gonzalez, this decoupage jewelry box depicts vignettes from France. The mini chest features two drawers to keep personal treasures organized.

Recreating the unique beauty of Thai sunsets, Nantana Sompamitre crafts this exceptional jewelry box. Golden rays shine unto a burnished land as Sompamitre bathes the mango wood box with Thailand's legendary lacquer work featuring gold leaf accents.

Crafted of Balinese crocodile wood, this exquisite jewelry box is painted by hand. Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya lines the petite jewelry box in luxurious black velvet.

Crafted of Balinese crocodile wood, this exquisite jewelry box is painted by hand. Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya lines the petite jewelry box in luxurious black velvet.