Red Lacquerware Bowl (Vietnam)

Made from compressed bamboo strips, this rich red bowl can be used for serving or decoration. Each piece takes 45 days to complete (after the bamboo has been soaked for 6-12 months!).

Wound bamboo comes from Cat Dang, Viet Nam. The soaked bamboo is cut into very fine strips (0.08 inch) and pressed into a curve. The strips are then coiled outward from the centre of each bowl. A frame is used to achieve uniform depth and angles. After a coating of cashew oil-based glue, the work is left to dry.

Each piece is cut, shaped and smoothed by hand, as many as four times, and then polished repeatedly. It takes many coats of paint, and many more polishings, to bring rough bamboo to this smooth, glowing finish. These repeated, patient processes establish the level of quality of lacquer products.

Domestic competition for the tourist market tends to cheapen both quality and the artisans' return from their work. This group, already with nearly 100 members, hopes to expand through Worldstock, bringing additional villagers into better-paid work in improved conditions.

The handcrafted nature of this product will produce slight variations in color, form, and sizing. All measurements are approximate. Wipe clean with a damp cloth; not dishwasher safe.

Attention California residents: This product may contain lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5

20 of 20 (100%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.