Collection: Nam Jai Urushi Collection

Overview

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country well-known for its white sand beaches, thriving metropolis Bangkok, timeless temples, and a richly diverse history going back thousands of years. At the heart of this paradise is a love and appreciation for art that goes beyond canvas paintings and sculptures. This is what inspired us to travel to Thailand in search of inspiration as the next destination in our Wancher Voyage.

While immersing ourselves in their culture and traditions, we were taught the term Nam Jai, which translates to "Water from the Heart." It is meant to symbolize such traits like hospitality, generosity, the spirit of cooperation and understanding, and above all, kindness. Even after departing Thailand, we have carried this expression close to our hearts, and it is with this in mind that we introduce the Nam Jai Urushi Collection.

We created this collection in collaboration with renowned, Thai Urushi (lacquer) artist Auscharaporn Klamkluan, who is currently a lecturer at Por-chang college in Ratchamongkol University, and the owner of the MAMA Style brand.

What is Thai Urushi?

Thai Lacquer Art has many unique techniques such as Long Rak Pid Thong, Pradab Krachok, and Khrueang Khoen, but the star of this collection is the Lai Rot Nam Technique. This technique - which loosely translates to Gilded Black Lacquer - is the art of applying black lacquer inlaid with gold onto surfaces such as fountain pens and vases. In 2024, you can see many examples of Lai Rot Nam artwork in Buddhist temples and palaces all around the country of Thailand.

The technique begins with the application of several coats of black laquer onto the object (in this case, the fountain pen). Afterwards, the artist will be traced into the lacquer, and the rest of the lacquer will be painted using Namya Horadan (liquid mixed with arsenic trisulphide). An additional coating of lacquer is added onto this and while it is still damp, gold leaf is carefully applied by the artist onto the surface to form the final design. After an entire day has passed, the artist will gently wash the Namya Horadan off, revealing the inlaid gold and lustrous lacquer. This is why the full name of the technique is Lai pit thong rot nam, meaning "designs of gold leaf washed with water."

Showering Flowers / Falling Lotus

The Falling Lotus design is inspired by the concept of "showering flowers" in Buddhism. Over 90% of Thailand's populace is Buddhist, but more than that, the significance of Buddhism is evident throughout its history, as well as the culture itself. The motif of "showering flowers" was meant to depict the deities and angels who worship Buddha during his birth, meditation, and enlightenment.

The tip of the flower is always facing downwards to symbolize deference and respect to Buddha. The original design has inspired many artisans across Thailand over hundreds of years, which is why visiting a temple and seeing its interior may bear a striking resemblance to the Nam Jai Fountain Pen.