Among the great artistic achievements of the people of Myanmar is yun, the generic name for lacquer in Myanmar. Durable and beautiful items are produced by a time-tested method, ...

Among the great artistic achievements of the people of Myanmar is yun, the generic name for lacquer in Myanmar. Durable and beautiful items are produced by a time-tested method, the vital element of which is the sap from the Melanorrhoea usitata tree. First the object to be lacquered is constructed from either bamboo or wood. The lightest, most pliable lacquer wares are made of interwoven bamboo strips and horsehair. Other fine wares are made of woven and int4erlaced bamboo strips. Softwoods are used for screens, folding tables and rectangular boxes, and teak form heavier pieces. For bamboo, a dried bamboo trunk is cut into strips, which may be coiled, woven or twisted, as the shape of the object requires. When the basic form is completed, a coat of lacquer mixed with fine clay seals it. It is then put into a special cellar to dry for three to ten days. Afterwards, it is smoothed and polished with pumice on a simple hand lathe, where upon another and finer sealing layer is added and the object is put back into the cellar. This process is repeated again and again until the item is completely smooth. Finally, it is given a coat of fine, glossy-quality lacquer.