Traditional Burmese Lacquered Tray Depicting Palace Scene
Decorative Art / Applied Art, Lacquered Wood Tray • Burmese Artisan (Bagan school/workshop)
Style & Movement
Traditional Burmese Folk Art / Traditional Lacquerware Craft
Medium & Technique
Natural lacquer (thitsi), natural pigments (red, black, and gold/ochre), incised engraving (Yun technique) on a wooden and woven bamboo or wood base
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 16 inches (60 x 40 cm), rectangular horizontal format with raised rim
Subject Description
Narrative genre scene depicting figures in traditional courtly or domestic attire amidst elaborate pavilion architecture, stylized trees, and decorative borders. Executed in the traditional Yun technique with fine incised lines filled with pigment.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Shows minor surface wear, slight chipping of the red lacquer on the outer rim corners, and general patina consistent with age and decorative use.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Acquired directly in Myanmar (Burma) by the current owner as a decorative souvenir or traditional craft piece.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the rich, centuries-old tradition of Burmese lacquerware (Yun craft), primarily centered in Bagan. While made for the decorative market rather than museum collection, it exemplifies traditional indigenous manufacturing processes and iconographic motifs.
Notable Features
Intricate multi-colored incised engraving (Yun technique) featuring contrasting red, black, and gold tones depicting traditional Burmese figures and architecture within complex geometric borders.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions, light dust accumulation in incised grooves, and edge chipping along the raised rim exposing the base material underneath.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, high humidity, or extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent cracking of the lacquer surface.
Collector Notes
Purchased in Myanmar