THE sale of traditional lacquerware is on the decline on account of fewer tourist arrivals in the Bagan NyaungU region following the coronavirus outbreak in China, according to a lacquerware maker from Myingabar Village in Nyaung-U Township.
“Earlier, local travellers purchased lacquerware from Bagan NyaungU region. At the time, lacquerware were selling well in the local market. Now, the sale of lacquerware in the local market has declined as the market is relying on the arrival of tourists. The number of tourists entering Bagan NyaungU region is on the decline because of the coronavirus outbreak. So, lacquerware makers are facing difficulties, and the market for traditional lacquerware has been adversely affected,” said U Zaw Pwe from Myingabar Village, who is producing lacquerware on a manageable scale.
“In Myanmar, lacquerware seems to have originated in Bagan around the 12th-13th century, according to the elderly people. The art of making lacquerware has been handed down from generations to generations. Now, there are many lacquerware businesses and shops in Bagan NyaungU region, and more than 2,000 people are earning their livelihood by manufacturing lacquerware. Recently, the sale of traditional lacquerware has been declining because of fewer tourists coming to Bagan NyaungU region. However, we have continually been working on making traditional lacquerware,” said U Zaw Pwe.—Ye Win Naing (NyaungU)
(Translated by Hay Mar)
