Large 9" x 9" Antique Burmese Jeweled & Carved Lacquerware Offering Basket

Description

This authentic antique Burmese lacquerware offering bowl or basket was made in the time-consuming and traditional way. Fine
lacquerware objects
start as a combination of woven
horsehair
and bamboo.
Lacquer
is crafted from a mixture of the juice of the
Thitsi tree
and ash that is thinly applied to the surface.
A multicoloured and carved
lacquerware
item takes approximately 6-9 months to complete, because the entire process involves many dozens of successive layers of
lacquer, and each must be thoroughly
dried. When fully dry, the surface is polished to a smooth finish, and ornamental and figurative designs are carved or added to enhance the lacquerware. Dried
lacquerware
is black and to give a touch of color, items are simply painted. Expensive items are further embellished by means of engraving, painting and adding colored pieces of glass.
This is a very fine example that probably dates to the first half of the 20
th
century. It measures 9” high and 9” diameter at the shoulder. It has applied glass embellishment in different colors, and extensive carving. There is some slight loss of lacquer and glass pieces (see pics), but overall condition is remarkable. Shipped USPS Priority Mail or free local pickup outside Washington DC.