J. Fleet’s artful, earth-toned lacquer trays, bowls and wine boxes not only make ideal serveware pieces — they also work well as stylish room accents. Many feature botanical themes of buds and flowers; we also love the whimsical animal motifs (such as the trio of happy-looking elephants emblazoned on the large tray). Painstaking work (15 layers of lacquer!) gives the pieces a beautiful depth and shine; they’re all made according to traditional artisanal techniques. Founder Emily Rubin Persons was struck by Vietnam’s beautiful lacquerware products during her travels through Asia; in 1995 she decided to marry the ancient art to her own, contemporary designs — and J. Fleet was born.