This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.
 

Inspired by birds that dwell in the forest, this charming toothpick holder is crafted by hand. Thatsanee and Ramphan work in celadon ceramic with its richly crackled textures to create the toothpick holder.
 

Product Features:

• Weight : 0.2 lbs
• Dimension : 2.5 inches high x 2.2 inches wide x 2 inches deep
• Type: Toothpick holder
• Materials: Celadon ceramic
• Colors: Green
• Care instructions: Hand wash only
• Features a crackled finish
• Made in Thailand.

Story Behind the Art:
 Thatsanee was born in Sankamphang, a land of beautiful and attractive handicrafts, celadon items chief among them. According to Thatsanee, I worked in a bank for quite a few years but the office work prevented me from admiring the beauty of the handicrafts of my area. The advantage of working in the bank was that I could access fund resources so that I got some small capital to be able to start up a little celadon kiln and workshop along with my partner Kanda. Working with celadon was a dream of mine, and being able to focus my life in this special traditional craft of Thailand brought deep meaning to me. Soonafter I was joined by Ramphan Khumsingkaew, an extraordinary painter, and we all helped to form the base of our small team many years ago.
 

Master painter and artist Ramphan (pictured here) tells her story: Dearest Novica clients, we are artists in the celadon ceramic tradition, one of the three main ceramic styles in Thailand, dating back many hundreds of years. The traditional green tones of the glaze are intended to bring to mind the tonal qualities of jade. The celadon glaze is thick and strong, yet has many intricate web like cracks in its surface for an antique feel.
 

I initially learned how to paint basic patterns such as bamboo and lotus, focusing on that for a period of three years. Then I learned more intricate and artistic Thai patterns that I have been painting up to now. My inspiration comes from Thai culture and traditions, and my personal experiences in day-to-day life.
 

Painting on celadon can be quite difficult, for this kind of ceramic has a rough surface; it requires much skill and patience, and it sometimes takes me a month to complete a single piece. I am very proud of my work.
 

At present, I lead a happy and peaceful life. I have a loving family with two children. I intend to continue my painting career and would be pleased to teach others, for I hope that my work will never be forgotten.
 

Thats anee adds, "Our work ethos is included the King's teachings on 'Economic Sufficiency,' which encourages to be efficient in all aspects of life and to always learn new things and new techniques. Then we add morality into it, for we work with happiness and care for each other. We're all members of a big family, and always help each other. The most important thing is that we understand each other above all, and that we understand the beauty of our art and traditions.
 

My main focus in handling all celadon work is focused on the happiness and satisfaction of my team and myself. Good life and good will between all of us is the most important thing for me. As such, I do only good things for myself and every one around me. The result is that the team and I are equally proud of being able to present the beauty of a local art and handicraft from Chiang Mai to the world.  

Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.