Graced by a radiant mosaic, dark lacquer reveals ancient techniques brought to Thailand from China centuries ago. Nantana Sompamitre crafts a decorative box of dramatic beauty. Once the wood is carved into the desired shape, it is coated 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. The final layer is polished with powdered fired clay. 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.
