Introduction

Welcome to the beautiful world of Art Only, where high quality treasures of Myanmar's crafts are offered.

Myanmar has centuries-old cultural traditions where crafts play an important role. Old manuscripts list the crafts as 'Ten Flowers" that blossomed out of man's imagination.

Due to a self-isolated period of nearly forty years under a Socialist government from 1962 to 1988, the cultural traditions remain almost unchanged, untouched and undamaged by modern trends. When the country opened its doors again in the early 1990s the skilled craftsmen were happy to continue their trade and accept numerous young apprentices to carry on the old traditions. Old techniques and ancient tools are still used in many instances and every piece lovingly fashioned by hand for not factory or machinery could produce the lovely individual pieces that speak of long traditions and rich heritages.

At Art Only, only seasoned wood and pure gold leaf are used according to ancient traditions. Most Myanmar crafts are carved, lacquered, or gilded and Art Only artisans are skilled at these techniques, using original materials as much as possible in repairing antiques. The old cabinets and trunks were used to store religious texts written on gilded lacquer sheets or plain palm leaves and the illustrated folding books that record Buddhist stories. With learning considered a great honour and prestige, such cabinets and trunks were beautifully crafted.

The sculptors of Art Only can replicate old furniture and carvings on order and the carved screens from their hands are almost lace-like floral motifs. All newly-crafted wooden pieces such as furniture or lawn chess pieces are made out of seasoned timber kept in stock at Art Only. Our artisans take great pride in the attention to detail to see that repairs when necessary are not at all discernable. In repairs, as well as in making to order any design the customer wants and replicating antiques, only high quality materials are used.

Myanmar lacquer ware is coloured with organic paints obtained from the earth or plants, and pure gold leaf hammered by hand covers the gold artefacts. The artisans disdain modern tools and methods, preferring to work in the old ways handed down from their grandfathers.

Art Only is proud to present an extensive collection of exquisite lacquer wares including many in rare styles and colours.

The diversity of crafts is seen in the objects used daily in monasteries and palaces. The last king was exiled in 1885 and although monarchy does not exist anymore, utensils and furniture based on royal designs are still produced to be kept in monasteries or shrines. When obtaining old shrines or salvageable parts of damaged carvings from monasteries that are normally thrown away or used as firewood Art Only makes sure to have signed agreements with the Abbots, the communities concerned and families of the original donor where possible.

Welcome to Art Only where you can see beautiful Myanmar crafts and to learn more about each, created in the old traditions that are being proudly kept alive.

Anton Ferwerda

Art Only