Who we are
Under The Bo Co., Ltd. is a limited company established in 1992 and based in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. It specializes in a wide range of used, antique and ethnographic objects, bearing witness to the diverse cultures of Asia — and occasionally beyond, with a focus on unique pieces full of history and cultural meaning.
Over the decades, we’ve built a diverse international clientele: merchants, interior designers, architects, and private collectors, all in search of authenticity, rarity, and aesthetic integrity.
A Life Dedicated to Art
The gallery is led by François Villaret, a French adventurer and collector driven by a lifelong passion for tribal and traditional arts. For more than fifty years, he has roamed across Asia and Africa, guided by deep curiosity and a sharp eye for the aesthetics of world cultures and objects steeped in history.
He began his career in Paris in the early 1980s by managing an Asian art gallery, then moved to India and Indonesia, where his love for tribal art took root. Since then, he has never stopped collecting unique pieces rich in heritage.
The name “Under The Bo” comes from the gallery’s original Thai name, ใต้ร่มโพธิ์ (Tai Rom Po), which refers to the Bo tree (ficus religiosa), under which the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. This symbol reflects our deep respect for spiritual and cultural reverence.
What Makes Us Different
Each object is carefully selected for its character, story, and craftsmanship. François excels at uncovering rare and overlooked treasures, sometimes restoring them with care — always with respect for their authenticity.
Under The Bo stock offers a constantly evolving selection — featuring sculptures, textiles, jewelry, sacred and decorative art, from classic to tribal styles — sourced from India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, and also from Africa. Every visit brings new discoveries.
Cultural Commitment and Sustainability
To preserve and sometimes repair older pieces, François established an in-house workshop of skilled artisans. Restoration is always done with care and an emphasis on authenticity. Between shipments, these craftsmen also create custom furniture, often inspired by traditional forms and cross-cultural designs. We prioritize reclaimed and sustainable materials: antique teak from demolished farmhouses, jackwood, or imported oak. In parallel, François has reforested over 15,000 teak and native trees in degraded areas — a long-term commitment to ecological responsibility.
Recognition
The quality of our selection was quickly acknowledged. Shortly after opening, Thai magazine Ploy Kaem Phet published a 36-page feature on our gallery, illustrated with photos of the famous model Penpak Sirikul adorned with tribal pieces collected by François. The article also recounted a pivotal episode in his life.
An Invitation
We warmly invite you to explore our collection online, our Facebook and Instagram pages, or come visit us in Chiang Mai. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious, you’ll find rare objects here — meaningful, beautiful, and full of history.