Lacquered wood vase, 'Floral Elegance'

This elegant and lacquered vase in mango wood is one of Subin Tositarat's inimitable creations. The classic shape features a narrow neck and a colorfully engraved and painted floral pattern throughout its body. After the piece is carved, it is receives a gilded lacquer coating, in itself a long, laborious process. Then, in an engraving technique called lai kad, (dug-out pattern), the decorative motifs are etched freehand with a sharp tool. A combination of lacquer, peanut oil, coloring agent, and water is rubbed onto the surface. It is left to dry and polished with rice husks, the color remaining only in the engravings. The process is identical for each different color. Lastly, Tositarat embellishes his creation with a touch of paint.