|
Burma is a large country located in South East Asia (sharing common borders with Bangladesh and Thailand). Due to political issues - the country is ruled by an oppressive military junta - it has not yet  opened to the rest of the world. For this reason, Burmese Art and the Art of lacquerware in partcular, has been little studied and shown until now.
What is Laqueware ?
Lacquerware is a sturdy, water resistant, natural plastic and can be designed and embellished using a number of different techniques. One can say that Burmese craftsmen have excelled in the Art of decorating lacquerware vessels.
Objects in lacquerware always have played an important role in Burmese culture and society. They were used for a wide range of purposes, ranging from traditional ceremonies (temples, weddings, at the King's court) to music and day to day life.
Burmese Laqueware handycrafs
Lacquerware is one of the most characteristic of all Burmese handicrafts. The lacquer is made by mixing the sap of the thitsi tree with ash, the fineness of which determines the quality.
The resulting paste is applied to the surface of objects usually made of woven bamboo, sometimes of wood, although in the past the finest pieces of lacquerware were made of horsehair. 
Bowls, trays, betel-nut containers and small decorative boxes are some of the most common items, tables and screens among the larger pieces. To make one multicoloured item can take up to six months and involves a dozen or more stages of production.
Today lacquerware is produced in Northern Thailand and Laos as well as Myanmar, but the best workmanship is found in the villages around Bagan.
Explore our shop our selection of rare items from Myanmar and discover the beauty of the country through its unique handicrafts.
  
Hors hair Bowl Stupa Bethel Box
|
$
Designandasia Feed
