Letter from Burma 23

Heinda Mine

Tenasserim

Southern Burma

November 5, 1935

Dear Rosalind,

It seems strange not to be writing to you for the benefit of your project. I am pleased to
hear that you got a good mark on it. I hope you learned some things that you had not known before too.

I am starting to get ready for our trip back home for Christmas. You must let me know what you would like me to bring you. One of the nicest things that the Burman people make are lacquer ware – which can be used in all sorts of ways. Perhaps I will see if I can find you something made of that – perhaps a jewellery box. Lacquer ware is the most distinctive and traditional of Burmese handicrafts. Traditionally it was used by royalty for storing documents and jewelry, and more commonly for keeping betel nuts and food. This
craft dates back to the 13th century. Today, one can find a wide variety of lacquer items in Burma, from trays to storage chests, bowls, tables and even chairs. Considering the time it takes to produce even the smallest piece (at least 5 to 7 months), lacquer is still quite inexpensive.

Basically, items are shaped using coiled or woven Bamboo or carved wood, and then they are lacquered using the sap of a particular tree that flourishes in Burma.

For objects of particular high quality, fine horsehair is used around the shape and to prevent cracking, some makers include cloth as well. After the shape is made, the first coat of lacquer is applied by hand. It is then dried for a week in underground cellars (drying in the sun causes pockmarks). A second coating is applied; once again the object is dried for another week. The next stage involves using powdered buffalo bone, teak sawdust and lacquer to fill up crevices. The object is then polished to remove rough spots, and then it is lacquered and dried again.

After another week, it is polished again using clay and stone. It is polished three more times and then stored underground for one month. After this it is polished again. All together it takes about seven weeks.

After this, the designs will be etched in colour by colour using fine etching tools and acacia glue. After each colour is applied, the object is dried for a week. Once all the designing is done and all colours have been applied, it is dried for one month and then for 10 minutes in the sun. It is polished and its insides may be painted once more with red lacquer. After one week of drying, the object is finished!

The finest pieces take up to one year to complete using this painstakingly slow process. But the results are spectacular!!

We are still getting carts of water delivered daily, but the water situation has improved.
Your father is working very hard to get the mine working properly before our long leave. We haven't been to Tavoy for ages.

I must get started with writing my Christmas cards. At least we don't need to send them
off early from here for the friends in England. But I still have quite a long list of friends, each card requiring a letter to go with it.

I am counting the days until we see you again.

Love,

Mummy