A Burmese Red Lacquer Tray

This large food tray is made from a single piece of lathe-turned teak, coated in red cinnabar lacquer. All cultures require sturdy containers for the storage and transport of food. In Burma and India, lacquerware performed this role. Lacquerware is rattan basketry or wood covered with the sap of the lac tree. After the sap is extracted from the tree, it is applied to the surface and allowed to harden for about a week. The piece is then sanded smooth and the process is repeated again and again until the coating becomes thick and strong. Most food trays were coated in black lacquer because the sap naturally turns black upon exposure to oxygen. Red is produced by adding cinnabar powder to the sap. It was considered a luxury. Natural lacquerware containers are strong, lightweight, washable and safe to use. This tray dates to the early 20th Century.  Price for each