Friar Matias de Escobar, in 1729, described in detail the great mastery of Mexican lacquering and affirmed the products were so smooth that they looked like 'crystal rivers'.

When regular trade was established between Mexico and Asia, artisans were influenced by the Oriental style of art and began to apply their Mexican figures with an Orient flair thus creating a new tradition for Mexican lacquering.

Today, laquer production is centered in Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas though each region has its own style and decorative techniques. We procure our products from these three states and visit them regularly. Laquered goods are made from the wood of the copal, pine and linaloe as well as from gourds.

Common lacquered products include toys, small boxes and containers, plates and trays, ornaments, masks, chests, tables, screens and other furniture. All are elaborately decorated and expertly made and will provide a lifetime of beauty.

The most important lacquering center in Mexico, and in the Americas, is Olinala, Guerrero. They use the techniques of golding and scratching in applying their decorations.

In Michoacan, objects are decorated with oil paint and gold leaf inlays, or with earth pigments inlaid in areas of the lacquered surface which have been previously cut out.

And in Chiapas and Oaxaca, pieces are decorated with bright paints applied with a thin brush.

All lacquered products are unique and well made and are all so beautiful.