Handmade Mercury Lacquered Bamboo Pot (Thailand)

This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic. Centrifugal shadows adorn this pot, handmade with refined perfection by Daeng Thanunchai. Oval in shape, the pot is available in two colors, red or green, and exudes the intriguing beauty of lacquered bamboo. An original accent for a rustic decor. Not watertight.

Product Features:

• Dimensions: 6.75" H x 13.75" Diam.
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• Colors: Red, Green
• Type: Pot
• To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape
• A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object
• The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface
• The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen
• Material: Bamboo
• Not watertight
• For decorative use only
• Care instructions: Do not use abrasives, Wipe with a damp cloth
• Made in Thailand

Story Behind The Art:

I must use all my knowledge and experience, be extremely focused, and above all very patient. My name is Daeng Thanunchai and I have been crafting lacquer wares for over forty years. I was born the 6th of February, 1946 in northern Thailand. I took courses in primary school, but did not carry on afterward because my parents did not have the financial means to afford the education of six children. I was only eleven years old when I dropped out, and with my future ahead, I looked for something to do. We heard one day that the Department of Factories promoted a course in which a lacquer ware specialist from Japan would train interested people. It was a great opportunity, so I enrolled and learned from this Japanese master of lacquer for six years. Upon completion, I worked for the company who funded the course. There, I enhanced my knowledge and gained more experience along with my foreman and my friends. It was also during that time that I met Jinda, who was later to become my beloved wife. I worked for this company many years to the best of my ability, and I climbed step by step the hierarchy ladder to be eventually promoted head worker. The owners, my co-workers and the customers liked my works and that really made me proud and happy.

But I gradually thought to have my own shop, because I was not challenged anymore and also because at about forty years old I wanted to be someone else than a factory worker all my life. In passing, I was also frustrated that the company took all the credit for every prize my work was awarded in exhibitions. Subsequently, I resigned and set up a little workshop in my house. I invited a couple of artisans to help me, but I never taught them anything for they were already quite skilled in their particular field. I have two sons but they are not interested to learn my craft. I have not taught anyone for a long time, because teaching requires constant attention and hard work and I now want to be unworried and rest, but I also feel sad that nobody will carry on after me. Handmade lacquer ware is extremely difficult. I must use all my knowledge and experience, be extremely focused and above all very patient.

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.