SAMSARA & VANITY

Traditional Gold Gilding Mirror

A contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Thai lacquer-gilding on mirrored glass, preserving ancient craftsmanship while reflecting ecological cycles and the interconnectedness of life.

Executed using the traditional Lai Rod Nam method. Natural Urushi lacquer (tree resin) is applied before gold leaf gilding. Thai ornamental birds and animals appear among branching foliage motifs. The mirrored surface reflects the viewer, integrating human presence into the natural composition. A stainless steel frame contextualizes the traditional craft within modern living spaces.

Thai lacquer gilding is a heritage craft rooted in natural materials—particularly resin harvested from lacquer trees. Historically, such motifs adorned temple doors and sacred furniture, depicting idealized forests inhabited by birds and mythical creatures. In this work, the mirror becomes both symbolic and functional: it reflects vanity, memory, and impermanence. The concept of “Samsara” suggests cyclical existence—growth, decay, renewal—mirroring ecological rhythms. By revitalizing traditional craft through contemporary application, the work advocates for both cultural preservation and environmental awareness, emphasizing that sustainability applies equally to nature and to heritage.

Materials & Techniques:
Mirror glass, Urushi lacquer (natural resin), gold leaf gilding
(Lai Rod Nam technique), stainless steel frame

Measurements:
Diameter 41 × 41 × Height 5 cm

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