BURMESE LACQUERWARE

Unknown-Burma circa 1890

Burmese (Myanmar) Lacquerware has a long tradition dating back to the 13th Century. Lacquer in Burma is called “Thitsi” meaning the sap of a Thitsi Tree (Melanhorrea Usitata). Typically, bamboo and wood are used as a frame or base in making lacquer work. The art of achieving certain tonal qualities of color is a closely guarded secret and it has been said that a master will not impart this secret even to his wife and only to the most trusted of his sons.
Cylindrical and rectangular boxes called kun-it were used to store ingredients needed for betel chewing, a mild stimulant that was thought to freshen breath also. Once a common practice in southeast Asia, betel chewing was central to social interaction as well. In old Burma, the betel box was an important item of hospitality to be offered to guests so they could select their preferred ingredients. We acquired this collection from a private dealer in Australia in 2003.
Australia