Overview of Lacquerware Traditions
by Professor Vithi Phanichphant
Translated by Narisa Chakrabongse
Burma (Myanmar)
Society in Burma is composed of various ethnic groups who have over a long period been producing and continue to produce lacquerware, known as thit sa, in great quantities. Burma shows a development in lacquerware production greater than any other Southeast Asian country, and the lacquerware has a clear identity in its diverse forms and designs. Furthermore, lacquerware continues to be widely used by local people whether in the temple, at the market, or at home, unlike elsewhere where lacquerware is now used only sparingly in the home as it is regarded as a precious item for religious ceremonies or simply as a souvenir.
Lacquerware items are manufactured via small-scale businesses for everyday use and for sale in the local market and abroad. In the past, the different regions of Burma would have their own identity and clearly defined tastes based on shapes that were appropriate for their purpose (1). Those using lacquerware in Burma can be divided into two main groups: the Tai Yai from Shan State and the Burmans in the lowlands in the middle of the country. Lacquerware is now also a popular tourist product, which has led to new forms or to the copying of old forms from different areas, making it difficult to identify the origin of particular pieces.
1 Three Burmese cylindrical betel boxes
01 Flower Basket
Burma, with shaped handle, black lacquer with red lacquer interior, early 20th century
W 29 cm, L 37 cm, H 33 cm
Reference: BL, pl. 5:80; Isaacs, pl. 123
02 Large Woven Basket
Burma, red lacquer over woven bamboo, ribbed sides, finely decorated rim, footed base, mid-20th century
W 17 cm, H 22 cm
Reference: BL, pl. 5:81
03 Tiered Sectional Basket
Burma, red lacquer over woven bamboo, early 20th century
W 27 cm, H 22 cm
Reference: BL, pl. 6:15
16 Betel Box
Burma, orange decoration on green lacquer ground, early 20th century
D 14.6 cm, H 12.1 cm
17 Betel Box
Burma, orange and black lacquer, mid-20th century
D 22.7 cm, H 19.1 cm
Reference: Isaacs, pl. 54
Detail of 17 (top)
41 Betel Box
Burma, decorated with stylized animals, orange and green lacquer, early 20th century
D 22.3 cm, H 12.5 cm
Reference: BL, pl. 4:35
Detail of 41 (top)
42 Betel Box
Burma, unusual bifurcated design on top, orange, yellow and black lacquer, early 20th century
D 15.5 cm, H 8.5 cm
Detail of 42 (top)
89 Rectangular Box
Thailand, with brass edging, top and sides covered with powdered minerals and crushed shell with iridescent characteristics
W 20.5 cm, L 31.3 cm, H 20.3 cm
90 Rectangular Box
Thailand, black lacquer with bronze edging, decorative bronze cartouche inset in top and surrounding keyhole, early or mid-20th century
W 22.5 cm, H 13 cm, L 34 cm
91 Rectangular Box
Thailand, black lacquer, hinged top with bronze edging and decorative bronze inserts in top, mid-20th century
W 12 cm, H 9.8 cm, L 21.5 cm
140 Five Offering Trays of Varying Sizes
Thailand or Cambodia, each with concave corners and inlaid with mother-of-pearl and/or mirrored glass
Reference: Vithi, p. 56
141 Offering Tray
Thailand or Cambodia, square tray with concave corners, mother-of-pearl decoration with black lacquer panel on each side, possibly for intended inscription, mid-20th century
W 27 cm, H 10 cm
142 Square Offering Tray
Thailand or Cambodia, black lacquer with gold decoration and bone and shell inlay, hardwood rim, mid-20th century
W 28.2 cm, H 8.2 cm
143 Offering Tray
Thailand or Cambodia, square tray with concave corners, red lacquer decoration, mid-20th century
W 25.4 cm, L 25 cm, H 8 cm
173 Small Round Covered Bowl
Cambodia, top with finial, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, floral design, early or mid-20th century
W 7 cm, H 11.2 cm
174 Round Box
Cambodia, black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl, animals around the base, top with mythical beast, late 20th century
W 19 cm, H 8.4 cm
Detail of 174 (top)
175 Tall Round Box
Cambodia, black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl, top with mythical beast, mid to late 20th century
W 17.5 cm, H 15.5 cm
Detail of 175 (top)
248 Square Open Betel Tray
Thailand, Isaan region, no internal divisions., decorative carving on red lacquer, early 20th century
W 21 cm, H 21 cm
249 Footed Round Tray
Burma, Shan States, open tray on raised platform, gold decoration on red and black lacquer, early or mid-20th century
W 31 cm, H 12.5 cm
250 Octagonal Tray
Cambodia, plain black lacquer, black decoration, tray with bamboo decoration, mid-20th century
W 25 cm, H 11.3 cm
251 Covered Round Box
Burma, for candies or condiments, gold leaf decoration on black lacquer, late 20th century
W 25 cm, H 7 cm
315 Pair of Mythical Flying Horses or Imaginary Creatures
Burma, molded decoration, red lacquer on wood, early or mid-20th century
W 20.5 cm, L 65 cm, H 34 cm Reference: MB, p. 471
