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Lacquerware
A specialty of northern Thailand, neighbouring Burma, and now
Vietnam, a wide range of contemporary and antique lacquerware
can be bought in shops on Phuket Island. You can find the distinctive
gold and black household objects such as trinket boxes, trays
and chopsticks etc that originate from Chiangmai, Thailand (Try
Andaman Trade Centre on Srisoontorn Road, Thalang,
Tel: 272304). Also found are the antique matte red cylinder picnic
boxes and covers inlaid with black and/or green detail that are
characteristic of Burma's lacquerware industry (The
Loft Art Gallery on Talang Road, Phuket Town). More recently,
the creatively coloured and decorated trays, bowls and homeware
originating from Vietnam have also become available in Phuket
(See The
Loft's new outlet at Le Meridien, Relax Bay, and boutique
stores along Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town) - all of these items
constituting the ideally lightweight collector's item or gift.
Leather Goods
 A
broad range of high-quality leather goods is found in markets
and department stores on the island. Items in department stores
are usually available for a fixed price, whereas in the markets,
prices will vary widely and can be bargained down. It is best
to shop around at a few stalls before settling on any item, in
order to compare prices and make sure you're not paying too much.
Popular items include jackets, footwear, belts, handbags, luggage,
and various accessories. Leather clothing and shoes can be custom
made in a number of places.
Nielloware
 One
of Thailand's more unique handcrafts, Nielloware is a traditional
craft of the southern province of Nakorn Si Thammarat and therefore
a good buy in nearby Phuket. Nielloware is the art of applying
etched designs made from an alloy of lead, silver, copper and
sulfur, onto silver or gold receptacles. Items ranging from coffee
and tea sets to fittings for handbags and buttons are available
in shops around the island.
Paintings/Pencil Sketches
For a lasting reminder of Thailand, why not visit one of the
many shops offering original art works by local artists. Choose
from traditional or modern Thai themes, or commission your favourite
scene to be replicated in a painting or sketch. A popular trend
is to have a portrait sketched or painted as a gift or momento.
A number of artists also specialize in portraits drawn from snap
shots, meaning that you don't have to sit around for hours. Some
hotels have in-house artists providing portrait services, and
where you can watch the artists at work.
Currently Holiday Inn in Patong Beach and Le Meridian, Relax
Bay have portrait artists resident at work in the hotel lobbies
during most afternoons or early evenings. Portraits are available
in Sepia, Charcoal, Pastel and Oil Colour, for around 1500-2000
Baht dependent on medium used and size of the portrait. Expect
a 2 -3 day turn over time, or have your painting or sketch posted
to you.
On Rat Uthit Road leading out of Patong Beach towards Karon,
are a number of shophouses where artworks are ready for sale and
special commissions are accepted. On the other end of the island,
opposite Tatonka's Restaurant at Cherng Talay, Bang Tao, is a
small shophouse that specializes in reproductions. Check out the
work produced by this shop which hangs in Phuket's grooviest restaurant
- the Supper Club - right next to Tatonka's.
Framing can also be carried out inexpensively on the island and
there are a number of alternatives. Most paint shops can recommend
places close to where you are staying, or if in Phuket Town, check
out the little frame shop "Frame" on Tilok Uthit 2 Road
across from the night markets next to Robinson Department Store.
Wickerwork Products
Wickerwork products are utilized in every aspect of daily life
in Thailand. Furniture, baskets, hats, mats, even walls for simple
homes, are made from natural fibre, and created into objects of
beauty and functuality. The attraction of wickerwork is its simplicity,
using the strength and resilience of cut and dried bamboo and
rattan that are woven into forms that are light, strong, and attractive.
Ranong Road in Phuket Town has two shops selling beautifully woven
baskets, mats, blinds and other functional wicker products.
Cashews
One of Phuket's lesser known local industries is the production
and preparation of cashew nuts. A much loved and oft expensive
treat in some part's of the world, here you can purchase cashews
inexpensively in their natural raw state, or prepared with a variety
of spices or flavours. Visit the Methee Cashew Nut Factory
on Tilok Uthit 2 Road in Phuket Town, to buy cashews at their
source, or look for them at any of the food markets around the
island.
Bronzeware
| Ceramics | Textiles
| Tailor-made Clothing | Furniture
Gems, Gold and Jewelry | Lacquerware
| Leather Goods | Nielloware
Paintings/Pencil Sketches | Wickerwork
Products | Cashews
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