BURMESE LACQUERWARE

Myanmar (Burma) known as “The Golden Land” is geographically situated on the Bay of Bengal to the west and bordered by Thailand, Laos and China on the East. “Burma” means “The first inhabitants of the world” and that is what the Burmese symbolically consider themselves to be.
The ancient royal city of Bagan (Pagan), located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and the renowned center of Buddhism, is the heart of the manufacture of lacquerware. Through the art form of lacquer, many aspects of Burmese cultural life is revealed including the rituals of Buddhism, the chewing of betel nut, gift giving and various ceremonies.

Using bamboo, wood, cane, palm leaf, horse hair, metal and leather, resin tapped from trees, is coated onto the vessels. This sap from the Asian ‘Gluta usitata’ trees, waterproofs and heatproofs the surface of the objects. The lacquer process is lengthy and time consuming. The artisans add layers and layers of lacquer, allowing it to cool in cellars, and then laboriously decorating the vessels adding colors ( reds, greens, yellows) and intricate designs. These patterns may depict flowers, lace and geometrics, vegetal motifs, trees, betel vines, animals, human figures, dancers, horse riders, or zodiac symbols.

The following is a collection of antique red and black Shan State lacquerware predominately used in monasteries.These offering vessels are old and typical of the traditional styles found in Burma.

Burmese Offering Containers
Burmese Spoon with Man	Burmese Spoon of Monkey
Burmese Spoon with Winged Figure	Burmese Contemporary Bown
Burmese Betlenut Containers	Burmese Handmade Paper Manuscript
Burmese Offering Vessel	Burmese Offering Vessel

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