A flutter of butterflies and birds in flight wraps around this hand-lacquered wooden box from Olinalá, a remote town tucked into the mountains of Guerrero, Mexico. Known as the birthplace of laca—a centuries-old tradition of lacquerware unique to Mexico—Olinalá artisans pass down this meticulous craft through generations, blending pre-Hispanic methods with colonial influences and personal flair.
 
This piece showcases the signature rayado technique, where delicate lines and dots are etched and painted by hand to form vivid, symbolic scenes. The contrast of warm greens, golden ochres, and hints of red-orange against the polished black trim evokes a jungle canopy at dusk, alive with movement and song. From the domed lid to each beveled panel, this small box is a feast of storytelling: parrots mid-flight, fish swimming in the abstract, leaves curling beneath blossoms—each brushstroke a love letter to the natural world.
Crafted from locally sourced copal wood and finished with layers of burnished lacquer made from chia seed oil and crushed minerals, these boxes aren’t just functional—they’re cultural heirlooms.
 
Olinalá boxes are increasingly rare in this form—especially those featuring traditional motifs untouched by tourist trends. This piece offers both function and soul, a chance to preserve and participate in one of Mexico’s most distinctive craft traditions.
 
• Origin: Olinalá, Guerrero, Mexico
• Technique: Hand-lacquered (laca) with etched rayado detailing
• Materials: Copal wood, mineral-based pigments, natural lacquer
• Dimensions: Approx. 4.5" W x 3" D x 3" H
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with vibrant color and no chips, scratches, dents or cracks