Lacquerware was originally derived from China which has a lacquer tradition approximately 7,000 years old. The art of lacquerware originated in Bagan Period and gradually developed through the ages of Taungoo, Inwa and Nyaungyan, reaching its zenith in Konbaung Period. There are six distinctly different forms of lacquerware made in Myanmar: Plain lacquerware (Kyauk-ka), Incised lacquerware (kanyityun), Gilt lacquerware (shwe-za-wa-yun), Relief moulded lacquerware (tha-yo), Glass mosaic and gilt lacquerware (hman-zi-shwe-cha), Dry lacquerware (man yun or man pha-ya). Bagan Period lacquerware, lacked decorative paintings, were of only plain black. In Inwa Period, there were painting emerged on lacquerwares. The surface of lacquerwares was engraved with a fine iron stylus during the Nyaungyang Period. The art of lacquerware developed to Shwe-za-wa (gold leaf lacquerware), Tha-yo (relief moulded lacquerware) and Hman-zi-shwe-cha (glass-inlay lacquerware) in Konbaung Period. Basic materials used in the production of lacquerware are bamboo or wood, resin (thit-si), vermillion, yellow orpiment, indigo and gold leaf. During the Colonial Period the lacquerware industry dramatically declined due to imported commodities. After Myanmar regained her independence and Institute of lacquerware was founded by encouragement of the government to preserve lacquerware handicraft.
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