According to the owner of the Myanma Ahla Souvenir Shop in Thingangyun Township, Yangon Region, lacquerware manufacturers in Asia, including Myanmar, primarily depend on the souvenir market in the USA and Europe.
U Maung Maung Aye, the shop’s owner, highlighted that while lacquerware historically served practical purposes in daily life, nowadays, its leading role is decorative. He expressed concern over the lack of authenticity in many “lacquered” decorative items, such as bowls, tiered lunch boxes, and tableware, which are often made from plastic or fibreglass and coloured to imitate true lacquerware. These items are usually purchased for decorative purposes, overlooking their material authenticity.
To meet market demand, the proprietor explained that they focus on meticulous artwork and traditional patterns to decorate their lacquerware. Bowls, cups featuring owl prints, betel boxes, teapots, and teacups are all highly sought-after in the local market. Foreign visitors, in particular, seek out imaginative designs and high-quality lacquer finishes. — ASH/NT
