Description Pagan, Burma Bamboo and Lacquer This unusual Burmese lacquer box takes the naturalistic form of a pumpkin. Red and green dabs have been dragged and dabbed across the black surface to create a mottled, swirling surface. The bulbous ribs were built from a thick putty of raw lacquer mixed with teak sawdust and applied over a basketry core, then sealed with coats of lacquer before the final polychrome decoration. The stem is carved wood, lacquered and shaped to mimic a twisting stalk; and the interior is finished in glossy red lacquer. This shape, traditionally called hsun-ok, was used in Burma to carry cooked food to a monastery, where it was offered to the monks as an act of merit-earning. While Yun-de, or lacquerware in Burmese, is considered a minor art in most countries, in Burma, it has been a dominant industry for the last three centuries. Burma acquired lacquer production techniques from China, where lacquer has been used for over 3,000 years. Burmese royals often presented lacquerware as gifts to foreign envoys, and food at their banquets was served on lacquerware. Lacquerware was also popular among commoners for storing food, refreshments, clothing, cosmetics, and even flowers. Burmese lacquerware has deep connections with India through the Nattukottai Chettiars, a community of rich South Indian traders from Tamil Nadu who settled in Burma and other Southeast Asian countries. However, towards the end of British colonial rule, they began to leave Burma for India. As they left, they took with them parts of Burma – the lacquerware. Today, one can find lacquerware boxes, plates and trays in many Chettiar households, handed down generation after generation through the female line. Size (cms): 18(H) x 16(Diam) Size (inches): 7(H) x 6.5(Diam)
