About Our Products

Burmese Lacquerware/Modern Tableware
The earliest known example of lacquerware in Burma is thought to have originated from the 13th Century AD, although it is widely believed that the lacquerware industry did not develop in Burma until either the 14th or 15th Centuries.

For more than 300 years the art of making lacquerware has been one of the major crafts of Burma. Not only was it used by Royalty and in Buddhist religious ceremonies, but lacquer objects were used daily by ordinary people, and continue to be so until this day, for food & drink, cosmetics, flowers, and as general storage vessels; as well as being applied to hats, umbrellas, and book covers.

The reason for the popularity of lacquerware through the years is due to it being light, waterproof, and more importantly, strong. Lacquer can be applied to wood, bamboo, paper, fabric, metal, and even stone.

Whereas the production of lacquerware in many countries has become more mass-produced, in Burma it is still carried out in the time-old ways, by true artisans in small workshops. Burmese lacquerware is still as functional as it ever was, and the rich colours which are applied to the surface blend perfectly in western home settings, both modern and more traditional.

The new designs and pieces which Images of Asia commissions are mainly based on traditional shapes - be it a bowl, a water pot or a rice container - and then finished in plain, but striking, colours. All items are washable in luke-warm water; and although they are waterproof, to ensure long-life we would not recommend they be filled with water for long periods unless a glass liner is used.

Burmese Religious/Ceremonial Lacquerware & Arts
Images of Asia also stocks a selection of decorative Burmese lacquerware and arts both old and new. The new lacquerware Buddhas and Buddha heads are still made using the same techniques as have been applied since the advent of lacquerware in Burma. We guarantee that any item sold as an antique is so to the best of our knowledge. Having travelled extensively in the country for some 10 years now, the founder has become quite a specialist in both lacquerware and Burmese Buddha images, and can usually spot the tell-tale signs of the ubiquitous "fakes" which have flooded the marketplace - and is in some cases personally acquainted with the people making those fakes. We are not afraid to label "reproductions" as such. In many instances these reproductions have been made using the same techniques and materials as the originals of their day, so as such are also works of art.

Paintings
In 2002 we entered into an agreement with one of the foremost galleries in Myanmar for both established and new artists using a variety of mediums - oil, water-colour, acrylic, pencil, and pastels. Some of the artists have already exhibited overseas, mainly in Singapore, but also in Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Australia; and now, due to new interest, in Ireland.

Garden Statuary
Images of Asia is pleased to introduce a high-end range of garden statuary, all based on Hindu, Khmer, Burmese and Thai Buddhas; Gods; and other images. The statues and panels, hand-carved in top quality sandstone or marble by master craftsmen, are based on examples from ancient temples around Asia - notably Angkor Wat, Bagan, Borobodur, etc.

All pieces are carved using the same techniques as the originals upon which they are modelled. Being crafted from natural stone the pieces are all guaranteed weather-resistant for many hundreds of years, but will look equally exquisite either indoors or outdoors, in a garden or a home setting. These pieces will become the antiques of the future.

Mangowood Products
The section specialising in Thai mangowood products, mainly small homeware and giftware items, but also lamps, has proved most popular. Mangowood is sustainable and eco-friendly and our stocks come from one factory who buy from privately-owned mango orchards.

Taiwanese, Burmese, Vietnamese, & Indonesian Puppets & Marionettes
The history of puppetry in most countries is a long and fascinating one. In Taiwan, Burma, Vietnam and Indonesia it has evolved for vastly different reasons and in very different forms. All the puppets on sale are made by traditional artisans and have fully-moveable parts. Unless otherwise stated they are the real product, not copies made for tourists.

Vietnamese Lacquerware
Vietnamese lacquerware has in recent years become very popular worldwide. Although we do not believe it now to be as strong and resilient as Burmese, due to the appeal of its vibrant range of colours and finishes we do commission certain higher quality pieces to complement the range and appeal of our collection.

Commissioned Pieces
We are happy to assist, wherever possible, with sourcing other items, old or new, to order. Please contact us for details.