To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Myanmar-Russia diplomatic relations, the exhibition Light of the Golden Moon: Lacquer Art of Myanmar is on display at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Russia from May 19 to July 2, 2023. Featuring over 100 items of pan-yun (lacquer) art from the 18th to 20th centuries, this is the first full-scale exhibition in Russia dedicated to Myanmar’s lacquer art.
One of Myanmar’s “Ten Colours of Art”, pan-yun art is an important traditional art form that embodies Myanmar’s distinctive ethnic culture. The art form dates back to the first millennium CE. It began to take shape in the 11th-13th centuries before reaching its zenith during the Konbaung dynasty (1752-1885). The process of producing pan-yun art is complex and can include up to 40 stages. The base of the lacquerware is usually woven from bamboo, sometimes with horsehair added. Polychrome engraving and gold leaf are often applied as decoration, and finished lacquers are waterproof, durable, heat-resistant and pest-resistant. They can be given as diplomatic gifts and tokens of gratitude, hospitality and good wishes. As daily utensils, they are a symbol of strong family ties. Pan-yun art and lacquerware are also widely used in Myanmar’s religious and ritual ceremonies.
The exhibited artworks will help visitors appreciate Myanmar’s unique pan-yun art system and its techniques, forms and norms.
Sources: State Museum of Oriental Art (Russia), TV BRICS