This lacquer square box is functional and particularly practical for storing letters, jewelleries, photos or other precious items. Care for it properly and it would become a treasure of your family over generations. Handcrafted with natural lacquer and designed in geometrical patterns, this lacquerware is made in Myanmar with intricate craftsmanship. This elegant box is made of wood substrate coated with natural lacquer. The pattern is hand-etched and filled with mineral pigments.
Burmese Geometric-pattern Design Lacquer Square Box
Burma is famous for a unique style of incised lacquerware decoration called yun. The surface of the object is engraved with a fine iron stylus called a kauk. The incisions are then filled with colouring matter. This decorative technique probably took its inspiration from China where needle-etched lacquerware was made as early as the Waring States period (475-221 B.C.) and the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220).
The decorative process begins with the etching of a freehand outline of the design into the smooth glossy red or black surface of an object. No stencils or patterns are used. The lines vary greatly in density and complexity depending on the design. On the best incised lacquerware designs are characterised by a rhythmic liveliness and freedom of movement. They resemble drawings more than etchings.
