Product Description

Antique Burmese Table 2

Material: Bamboo, lacquer
Style: Burma
Size: Height 22.5 cm, Diameter 43.5 cm
Order Number: MHSABT2

These stands, called kalat, were used to place gifts, usually food, at an acceptable height above the ground, to monks.

It seems that the art of making lacquer came to Burma from China as China had been making it for 3,000 years, but it may not have been directly.

Lacquer is made from the sap of a tree. It is tapped like rubber. The grey, viscous liquid turns black on exposure to the air. The objects, which are covered in lacquer, are usually of wood or bamboo.

Numerous coatings of lacquer are applied. After each application the object is left to dry. The process may take 6 months or longer. A fine piece may have 26 applications. Lacquer furniture can take 2 years to make.

In pre-colonial times lacquered boxes stored royal jewels, letters and Buddhist manuscripts.

Lacquered trays are still used to give food to the monks.

About 80-90 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).