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.