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The Art of

Thai Accents

While traditional high-end Thai style was a riot of saturated colours and intricate designs, today's approach follows the global trend of accent rather than the complete vernacular. Subtle nuances are often more attractive to people of other cultures and feasible for most homes. From the simple touch of a lotus seed-pod on a coffee-table to the extravagance of a nautilus-shell caviar spoon inlaid with scarab beetles' wings and rubies, Siamese suggestions whisper romance and wonder. Think of the seductive curves of a mangowood lampbase a la Elle Macpherson's Bahamas beach house, the glint of gold on a glossy black-lacquered plate, or flowers in an imposing bamboo-and-bark basket formerly used to hold sticky rice. Now your guests are talking.

Contemporary geometric designs on these plates by Living Space, Chiang Mai, at the Lanna Spa further the appeal of this classical craft.

Gold-lacquered trinket boxes, which inspired this modern version from Living Space, were donated to temples to earn merit.

Post-massage pampering; lemongrass tea in celadon on a gold-lacquered tray (Living Space).

Gold Rush

One of the most elegant and exacting of Thailand's ancient crafts, gold and black lacquer painting requires at least 17 steps and 90 days to complete.

Lai rod nam ("ornaments washed with water") involves applying several coats of natural lacquer resin to wood, pottery or spun bamboo. Each layer is allowed to dry-a process which itself may take 15 to 20 days-and then polished with sandpaper and the bare human hand, the oil of which gives a wonderful sheen. A design is then painted on the piece, to which many layers of gold leaf are added (the background is covered with white latex). Each piece is then dipped in water to wash away the background, leaving behind brilliant 24k gold motifs.

In the late 18th century after Bangkok became the Thai capital, lai rod nam graced palace and temple pillars, window panels, screens, doors, ceremonial bowls, boxes and Buddhist scripture cabinets. Floral and vegetal patterns as well as mythical Buddhist creatures and scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of an Indian epic, were the most popular designs.

Today, contemporary designs are produced by Chiang Mai-based company Living Space. Even though it draws on traditional Thai and Japanese techniques, the lavish ornamentation is pared down to produce more spare, simpler items. Company designer Jennifer Dyson says: "My philosophy with Living Space is to develop and promote top-quality Asian crafts with a Western slant."