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.......... MYANMAR HANDICRAFT & ARTS..........
 

 MYANMAR HARP

Myanmar harp is one of the musical instrument of Myanmar people. The instrument has been introduced since A.D. 802 or in the Thiri Khatayar Dynasty. The harp is called "Saung" in Myanmar, there was two types in Myanmar harp: Byat Saung and Saung Gauk(bent saung). There almost is nobody can play Byat saung these days.

In 10th century A.D., musicians used only 5 strings in Myanmar harp, which later increased to 7 strings in 18th century. During King Bodaw Pharar the art of playing harp was much promoted by the King and was improved to using up to 13 springs by Mya Waddi Mingyi U Sa. Later it was changed to 14 strings and 15 strings by legendary U Thein. The instrument today has 16 strings as U Ba Than developed to a modern model.

Myanmar harp's composition is very interesting: In general harp size, it is 18 inches length at bottom and 39 inches high. The hollow body is made of rosewood, padauk or mahogany, the flat bar made of cutch wood, the strings are made of silk and it is covered with the leather of a female deer.


TAPESTRIES

Along with the lacquer-ware, tapestries are also one of the most popular and bargains in Myanmar. Called kalaga in western countries, they consist of pieces of colored cloth of various sizes heavily embroidered with silver and gold coloured thread, metal sequins and glass beads, and feature mythological Burmese figures in padded relief. The greatest variety is found in Mandalay, where most tapestries are produced. You can also buy tapestries in Yangon at craft shops in the Bogyoke market.

High quality merchandise is tightly woven and doesn't skimp on sequins, which spaced side by side as a sign of embroidery skill. Metals used should shine, even in older pieces. Age is not necessarily a factor value except when related to better quality work. Prices vary according to the size and quality.

LACQUER-WARE

Probably the most popular purchase in Myanmar is lacquer-ware, lacquer-ware in particular has developed into an art form of refined quality. Its history can be traced to China's Shang dynasty(18th to 11th centuries B.C.). The craft reached the area of present-day Myanmar in the 1st century A.D. by way of the Nan-Ch'ao Empire (modern Yunnan), and is believed to have been carried to Bagan during King Anawrahta's conquest of Thaton in 1057.

To the Burmese, lacquer ware is ?Yung hte?, and most particularly in Bagan - where most of the lacquer ware is made. To make a lacquer ware object, first of all a bamboo frame is made. If the item is first quality, only the frame is bamboo; horse and donkey hairs will be wound round the frame. In lower quality, lacquer ware the whole object is made from bamboo. The lacquer, which is an oil from the kusum tree or rubber tree's latex, is then coated over the framework and allowed to dry. After several days it is sanded down with ash from rice husks and another coating of lacquer is applied. A high quality item may have several layers of lacquer altogether.

The lacquer ware is engraved and painted, then polished to remove the paint from everywhere except in the engravings. Multicolored lacquer ware is produced by repeated engraving, painting and polishing. From start to finish it can take five or six months to produce a high quality piece of lacquer ware which may have as many as five colours. Flexibility is one characteristic of good lacquer ware. A top quality bowl can have its rim squeezed together until the sides meet without suffering damage. The quality and precision of the engraving is another thing to look for.

Lacquer ware is made into bowls, trays, plates, boxes, containers, cups vases, jewel boxes, dinnerware set and many other everyday items. The octagonal topped folding tables are another popular lacquer ware item. 

              

 

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