Burmese Lacquer Ware Offering Tray

All cultures require lightweight and sturdy food containers.  In Burma, lacquerware performed this role.  Lacquerware is rattan basketry (or wood) covered with the sap of the lacquer tree.  After the sap is extracted from the tree, it is applied to the wood or rattan base material and allowed to harden for about a week.   The piece is then sanded and the process is repeated again and again until it is thick and strong.  Most pieces made are black because the tree sap naturally turns black after being mixed with iron filings.