9 
Part III.] E. Ben skin and A. Kodger: Note on Thitsi. 
much like Japanese varnish, derived from Rhus vernicifera , 
but devoid of the acrid and irritant properties of the latter. 
They found that a coat of thitsi was extremely resistant 
to strong alkalies and acids, and that even when exposed 
for a time to the action of water it remained practically 
unaffected. For the drying of thitsi the conditions 
required are similar to those required for the Japanese 
varnish, i. e., it must be left in a cool, damp place and not 
in dry air or light.” 
Other reports from varnish makers, waterproof manufacturers, 
patent leather firms and numerous other experts are, on the whole, not 
encouraging, the length of time necessary for drying being the usual 
cause of complaint. 
7- Lacquer Work of Burma. 
As has already been stated, thitsi is the principal constituent of the 
Burmese lacquer varnish. Mr. H. L. Tilly in his book on 4 4 Glass Mosaics 
of Burma ” (1901) says that the lacquer art is not indigeneous to Burma, 
but was introduced from Siam after an invasion of that country by 
Naungdawpaya, son of Alaungpaya, and, to this day, some of the best 
masters are Shans. 
A detailed account of the method employed in lacquering different 
articles is given in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Bulletin of Mis- 
cellaneous Information, No. 5 of 1906, entitled “ Burmese Lacquer 
Ware and Burmese Varnish ”, by Sir George Watt. 
The following descriptions of all except Pagan work are chiefly 
taken from this publication, and also from information available in the 
records of the Forest Research Institute. Mr. A. P. Morris, Provincial 
Art Officer, Burma, has also kindly supplied a good deal of information. 
The following are the principal kinds of lacquer ware now made 
Pagan lacquer ware. I Mandalay moulded work. 
Gilt lacquer ware. j Burmese mosaic work. 
Manipur varnished wares. 
(1) Pagan lacquer ware. 
For the foundation of these lacquered articles wood, bamboo, of 
cloth is used. Thin planks of the soft white wood of Baing (Telra- 
meles nudiflora, R. Br.) and Didu (Bombax insigne, Wall.) are used for 
large boxes, dishes for the food of Buddhist monks, trays and small 
tables, and cloth is used for cigar-cases. For betel-boxes, cups, etc 
Tinwa (Cephalostachyum pergracile, Munro.) is nearly always employed 
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