Travel – Myanmar (Burma), Bagan

Tun Handicrafts
Lacquerware Works, Bagan, Myanmar

Tun Handicrafts

Bamboo is deftly woven into the desired shape, and reinforced by horsehair for strength prior to the base coat of lacquer.

Tun Handicrafts

A base coating is applied, and left to dry for three or four days. The lacquer is sanded with an L shaped scraper and then treated again, and left again to dry for three of four days depending upon the heat or humidity. The process will be repeated at least eight times for a quality piece.

Tun Handicrafts

Etching is done by hand.

Patterns are etched from memory.

Pieces take several months, up to two years for large works, to make.

They are kept underground to dry as there is a more even temperature.

Tun Handicrafts

This results in a shop full of magnificent works.

The experience in the shop was unlike any other as her sales staff offered us water and refreshing cool towels to wipe our brows. Moe Moe, the owner, was a wealth of knowledge about the craftsmanship, and her kindness and smiles were infectious.

Moe Moe (baganrain@gmail.com) told us she accepts Visa and can ship even the larger pieces anywhere in the world.