Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
061
Lacquerware lovers will want to stop at Bagan's most famous shopping zone as this oth-
erwise sleepy village, about half a mile south of Old Bagan, which has been home to
family-run lacquerware workshops for generations. At least a dozen workshops and
storefronts are located around the smattering of choice
pahto
(temples) and stupas from
the early Bagan period. And King Manuha, respectfully called the 'Captive King', built
the poetic Manuha Paya while held here in the 11th century.
Shopping
Before splashing the cash, it's wise to stop at a handful of places to compare varying
styles and prices. Workshops such as those recommended below will show you the many
stages of lacquerware-making and how lacquer is applied in layers, dried and engraved.
There's refreshingly little pressure to buy at any of the workshops. But quality varies; of-
ten the best stuff is kept in air-conditioned rooms at the back. Most workshops and stores
keep long hours (roughly 7am to 9pm during peak season). Generally, it is possible to
bargain about 10% off the quoted prices, but not much more.
Art Gallery of Bagan
LACQUERWARE
English-speaking Maung Aung Myin has two rooms and a busy workshop on the road
200yd (180m) north of Mahamuni. Apart from the full range of lacquerware, including
some beautiful and pricey cabinets and casks, there are also antique and new puppets
($20 to $150).
Family Lacquerware Work Shop
LACQUERWARE
Smaller workshop off the east side of the road, here there are some contemporary styles
using alternative colours such as blue and yellow with fewer layers of lacquer.
Golden Cuckoo
LACQUERWARE
Just behind the Manuha Paya, this family-run workshop spans four generations and fo-
cuses on 'traditional' designs, which are applied to some unusual objects, including a
motorbike helmet ($250) and a guitar ($500).
Getting There & Away
Pick-ups running between New Bagan, Old Bagan and Nyaung U stop here.
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