Chiang Mai Woodcarvers
 

Whenever we visit a country, we try to leave with an art piece that’s uniquely “that country” A Thai restaurant I frequent in the US has several exquisite carvings on the walls, and the owner said that Chiang Mai is the best place to shop for carvings. Looking for some input from locals or people who have bought carvings on what shops are best.

I’m aware of the village - any others, or even the “best” shop in the village?

TIA

Can you give an example of a particular item type, size and cost?

The circular wall-hangings often come in multiple panels so makes transport reasonable.

The best shop in Baan Tawai, for your item, might be easier to narrow down if we know the item type. You could spend an entire day there. Or ask the restaurant owner which shop(s) they recommend.

One recommendation might be Benjarong (five colors), hand-painted pottery. Finding a "real" piece may be challenging. The best work is done in family-owned/operated studios. You can visit some of these. During a tour of Samut Songkhram province, we visited Pinsuwan Benjarong. Samut Songkram is worth a one or two day visit, IMO, maybe with a rental making your way down to Hua Hin?

Unfortunately he was no real help in that regard. Wall hangings, stand-alone sculpture that sits on a table - fairly open in that regard. Art is so damn subjective that I hesitate to pin myself into one type, It's "I know it when I see it" - Fortunately my wife's tastes are pretty close. Price-wise I'm not looking for a trinket, real artisanship costs what it costs. I guess the best way to phrase it would be middle to higher end shops.

Back to answer my own question in case someone else benefits from it.

Ended up getting a wall sculpture at Baan Tipmanee Teak Carvers. By far the best selection that I found in the area.