Since our last newsletter, if you have browsed through our pages, you may have noticed that prices are now displayed directly in US dollars in order to ease your navigation. Our apologies to residents of other countries that still have to use the currency converter of this site. However our default currency is still the Thai bahts, our prices are fixed with it and the exchange rate is adjusted regularly.

We are constantly trying to improve this website and are now working on an enhanced version which should be online next month. The layout will change only slightly, but your browsing will be vastly improved: all important details will be readily accessible in one click and you won't have to search endlessly in some lost corners of the site. An efficient new search engine will allow you to find quickly the items that interest you.

Now about the new artifacts: we have added a very eclectic mix of ancient items, all in a reasonable range of prices., so that you may find something to offer for Christmas.

Many of those were found during my recent trip to Burma, such as betelnut cutters or lime boxes as well as a few nice daggers. There are also other containers for storing betel sets from Sumatra or Cambodia.

I have also found a few more interesting skullcaps in Burma. There are quite rare and were said to be used for reducing herbs into powder for medicinal or magical purposes. These bones are supposed to belong to deceased prominent Buddhist monks. They come in plain shape, are carved or over-modeled with mythical figures related to Burmese Nat worship.

There are many other items, so varied that it is too long to describe here. But I will just mention this beautiful alabaster table top made in the pietra dura style, inlaid with semi-precious stones, an heavy bronze belt made from hundreds of small "cloves" originating from the tribal area of Western Burma, and this life-sized banteng (wild ox) head used to hang as a trophy in the house of a Northern Thailand hunter.

I hope this selection will help many of you find an original or amazing gift. Under The Bo staff and myself wish you enjoyable year's end celebrations.

Thank you for your continued interest in these collections.

François Villaret

Click on the pictures to see all new products for December 2010

Click on the pictures to see all new products for December 2010