Visions from the Golden Land: Burma and the Art of Lacquer Paperback – March 1, 2000

Educational research on Burmese antique lacquerware process.

This is the first authoritative book devoted exclusively to the lacquer ware of Burma (Myanmar). I am an importer of Asian antiques, tribal, and folk art primarily from S.E. Asia, including Burma, and was delighted with the thoroughness of this books content. The range of lacquer ware discussed is quite thorough, the discussion on inscriptions is invaluable and the photographs are excellent. If the chapter on lacquer ware in Sylvia Fraser-Lu's Burmese Crafts Past and Present seemed too short, this is the next book to get. For the very knowledgable and very serious Burmese lacquer collector some of the examples used in the book may be dissapointing. I highly recommend this book.

The British Museum, London, should be applauded for launching the first significant exhbition of Burmese art in a major European institution. The catalogue is well-researched, well-written and presents provocative questions. A pioneering section pertaining to inscriptions on Burmese lacquer is especially interesting. Furthermore, the installation in London at the museum was stunning.