174 Some Account of the Lacquered [May, 



inclined to think is the more probable cause. The Burmese also state, 

 that the Shans allow their lacquered ware several months to dry between 

 each stage of the manufacture. But a much more easy and expediti- 

 ous mode of engraving is the Burma-dho, or Burma Yowon-tho. It 

 is usually executed over a coat of vermilion, but it may be done before 

 that color is given, and upon a black ground. The figures and orna- 

 ments here are cut in the style of our line engraving, and when com- 

 pleted, some plain theet-tsee is rubbed over the whole, and immediately 

 wiped off with a piece of cloth. A little Shan-zee or oil is then rubbed 

 and wiped off in the same manner. Some yellow sulphuret of arsenic 

 or orpiment, called by the Burmese tshe-dan, and by natives of India 

 hartal, is powdered fine and rubbed dry over the surface of the lacquer- 

 ed ware. The mineral adheres only to the lines cut or scooped out? 

 and displays at once in a bright yellow colour the figures and orna- 

 ments designed. Nothing further is done unless a finer polish is re- 

 quired, in which case the polishing powder before described is used 

 some days after. Sometimes a little of the orpiment is mixed with 

 Shan oil and theet-tsee, and a coat of it put over the whole ware and 

 wiped off, and the powdered mineral then rubbed on. This process 

 seems to be the best, as the hollows and incisions of the gravers are more 

 filled up in this manner. The orpiment is powdered very fine, and large 

 quantities of it rubbed on the ware with the fingers. Green (atsein) is 

 put on in the same manner, the colour being previously made with the 

 tshe-dan, and either the juice from the leaf of a plant called gwe~ 

 douk-beng or Indigo, ten parts of tshe-dan to one of Indigo. I have 

 tried to use some English lamp black, prussian blue, and chrome, as 

 this orpiment is used, but without success ; probably other of our 

 paints, or even these with some addition, might be employed in this sim- 

 ple and expeditious style of ornamenting wood work or lacquered 

 ware with the aid of theet-tsee. The Burmese admire much these 

 kinds of engraving, although I think the plain scarlet or black surfaces 

 when polished look better. The different kinds of Japan work are 

 always distinguished, if engraved, with the epithet yowon-tho, yowon- 

 tho tha-men-lsa ouk-kyee, yowon-tho, kvoon-eet, &;c. Sfc. 



As the best mode of ascertaining the manner in which this ware is ma- 

 nufactured, I engaged, at different times, two parties of Burmese work- 

 men, to attend at my house, and prepare some cups in my presence, 

 when I had an opportunity of daily watching their progress. The first 

 party consisted of rather rude workmen, but the second was sent to 

 me by the Burmese ministers, and some among this party prided them- 

 selves upon having made betel boxes for Her Majesty the Queen. 



