Considered a category of ‘Chang Sip Moo’, or the ten cardinal disciplines of royal craftsmanship, lacquerware has for long played a significant role in Thai art and craft. The art has been practiced continuously since the 16th century AD.

Thai lacquer harvested from the gluta usitata tree, also known as ‘Ton Rak’ in Thai, makes an excellent coating which once dry is not only shiny but also resistant to heat and moisture.

An elaborate process, remarkable craftsmanship and considerable time are required to create each piece of lacquerware. The finest of lacquer materials and a slow, artistic process of lacquering, drying and polishing gives a satiny smooth finish.

Lacquerware with gold leaf gilding called ‘Long Rak Pid Thong’ is made by blending the ‘Ton Rak’ lacquer with gold leaves for gilding the surface of artefacts. A special type of gold leaf called ‘Thong Kud’ is used as it has a smooth surface that shows no joints in the smooth finished surface of the piece.

Lacquerware products with gold leaf gilding and lacquerware on wood with inlay patterns, called ‘Pradab Muk’, including unique items with eggshell inlay are available at KanitThai. The use of eggshell inlay adds a unique texture and subtle iridescence to the smooth, glossy lacquered surface, creating visual depth.