Pagoda and stupa models created by lacquer in own designs have caught the public attention and there are enthusiastic buyers, said an entrepreneur U Thein Naing.
He initially aimed to create lacquered models of famous pagodas and temples in Bagan for Buddhist devotees all around the country, fortunately his creations drew many attentions that led him to continue creating similar models of pagodas and stupas in some other famous destinations.
At present, he has created about 30 lacquered models of famous pagodas, including Shwedagon Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Ananda Temple, Kyauk Myat Hmaw Pagoda, Gupyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba) and Shwesandaw Pagoda.
Photo- Bagan Yal Ayathar Art Gallery Page
“My creations are divided into two categories: Manyun (the creation of Buddha images or stupa with dry lacquer applied layer upon layer) and bamboo-strip pagoda. All of them are lacquered products but differ in a base layer. If it is a piece of wood, it is a wooden lacquerware. Making with pieces of bamboo strip is called a bamboo-lacquered pagoda. Manyun is made of fabric and lacquer. They have gained the public attention, and there are also buyers,” said U Thein Naing.
Making a Hnee (bamboo strip) pagoda requires layering small bamboo strips like piling bricks. It takes about four months, and a pagoda or stupa is worth around K2 million. Making a Manyun pagoda takes about a month, and the price is around K1 million.
“Most of the models I’ve made currently are one and a half feet and 19 inches or 20 inches and two feet in height. Because these sizes are perfect for worship in either shrine or Dhammayon. Buyers need to make an order in advance if they want to make it gold,” he said.
Both the Manyun pagoda and bamboo-strip pagoda are strong and magnificent. Manyun is an ancient lacquered technique, while bamboo-strip pagoda is also a traditional Myanmar handiwork, and customers can make any customized size according to their preference. — MT/ZS/ED
