Step 1. A bamboo shoot is stripped of its outer layers leaving only the inner, pliable layer

He used his toes to hold the end, while stripping

Very sweet young girl explaining the whole process and practicing her English!

Artists at work. Hand drawing into the lacquer

The cellar where the pieces dry between each of many steps

Bagan: House Lacquerware Workshop

March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

Lacquer is a naturally produced resin from the Melanhorrea Usitata tree. Lacquerware in Bagan is made by coating 7 – 16 layers of lacquer over a frame made using bamboo strips, wood or horse hair. Making lacquerware is a profession that has been practised by families in Bagan for generations.

Producing something involves many steps. A coat of lacquer is applied then it dries for 1 week. Then the step which may involve applying a different color or starting a design. Once again 1 week of drying. Repeat many times. The finished products are unbelievably beautiful. Bigger pieces like cabinets may take up to 3 years to make!Read more