PHOTO: Applying Gold Foil on Laquerware in Bagan, Myanmar

Man applying gold foil on laquerware at a factory in Bagan, Myanmar

Applying gold foil on laquerware at a factory in Bagan, Myanmar. The painstaking process of making lacquerware is done completely by hand, whether crafting a tiny cup or an entire dining room table with seating for 12. This factory in Bagan is one of many where visitors can watch the process from start to finish, beginning with splitting lengths of bamboo into paper-thin sheets, which are then glued together and shaped into the desired object. Lacquer is applied and allowed to dry for about a week. When dry, it is washed, sandpapered, and polished. This process is repeated seven or eight times, with the material used for sandpapering becoming finer with each layer. Color is applied to the final layer only, and all engraving or etching is done on this final layer. Final touches, like the gold foil this man is applying to the inside of teacups, is the last step. This was just one of many fascinating experiences during my Myanmar Explorer Cruise/Tour with Viking River Cruises.

2 thoughts on “PHOTO: Applying Gold Foil on Laquerware in Bagan, Myanmar”

    • It’s very hands-on intensive, northierthanthou. Every single thing is done by hand and a single piece can take weeks to complete!

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