Lacquered box, 'Kitty Cat Happiness' (Thailand)
Pouncing playfully, a sleek black cat curls his tail over his back. It forms the handle for a hand-carved, lacquered box. Nantana Sompamitre transforms mango wood into a Korat or Si-Sawat (happiness) cat. Loved throughout Thailand, this natural breed originated in Ampur Pimai in the province of Korat where they have been bred in the royal cattery since 1350. The elegant cat was owned only by royalty and courtiers.