Jasmine Family Lacquerware Workshop
Jasmine Family Lacquerware Workshop
5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
164 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
26
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Eugene
Singapore, Singapore9 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Visit here before you head over to buy any lacquerware at the local markets. You will be able to distinguish between the legitimate and plastic mass produced lacquerware they sell.
Was informative and friendly and was not pushy when it came to buying the wares.
Was informative and friendly and was not pushy when it came to buying the wares.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suitcase_wanderlust
Vienna, Austria11 contributions
Jan 2017 • Solo
Shein Aung and his family are very proud of their products and moreover about the technique and the natural materials they are using. And they can be very proud. Their lacquer ware is simply beautiful. Each piece has up to 14 layers of lacquer and it can take up to 4-5 months until it is finished. No chemical adhesives are used differently than some of other producers do.
Written June 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bing G
Phnom Penh, Cambodia14 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
Jasmine Family is a little hard to find on your own. The family refuses to pay commission to local guides and drivers (or the necessary bribes to install a big roadside sign in Myinkaba village), and relies mostly on word-of-mouth to find customers - that, and Win, a family member who drives around Bagan's temples on his moto in hopes of enticing tourists to visit the workshop. We ran into him twice in one day, and figured that if we were going to visit a lacquerware shop anyways, we might visit his. Very glad we did!
Win is a friendly, knowledgable guide - he speaks pretty good English and does a great job of explaining everything about the process of crafting lacquerware. His family has been producing lacquer in the traditional manner for about 3 or 4 generations - previously, they used inferior techniques, but stepped up their game to begin producing better wares. It's an extremely time-consuming process, and even a small teacup might take 3 or 4 months from start to finish. The tour shows all steps and aspects of the lacquerware process - you'll get to see Jasmine family artisans hard at work, and maybe stick your head into the underground drying room.
As other reviewers have noted, Win will be quick to inform you that the Jasmine family's product is the real deal - their lacquer uses 11 to 14 layers, beginning from a wood or bamboo base, whereas other competitors (even in Bagan, Myanmar's capital for lacquerware production) merely dip plastic cups or bowls from China in 1 or 2 layers of lacquer, which will soon begin to chip away. After seeing how Jasmine Family manufactured their stuff and taking a critical eye to other lacquer product in Myanmar, Win is absolutely right - most of it is crap, and the plastic-based cups and bowls will bend and flex under pressure whereas proper lacquer will not. Supporting small business is always pleasant, but especially so when they've got, by far, the superior product.
The tour wraps in the Jasmine Family's lacquer storeroom - honestly, it's beautiful stuff. Prices run from $5 (for a 4-5 color bangle) to maybe $7-10 for a cup or bowl, and $25 or more for larger, more elaborate pieces - a bit higher than what you might find at other workshops in Myinkaba or from the hawkers outside Bagan's temples, but very reasonable considering the quality and care that goes into the product. Plus, you can bargain down if you're buying multiple pieces.
I spent almost a full month traveling in Myanmar and still wish I had bought more gifts from Jasmine Family - personally, I thought these were some of the coolest handicrafts I saw in the entire country, and they were definitely among the highest-quality. If you're looking to buy lacquerware in the Bagan area, or want to learn about how it's made, it's hard to go wrong with a visit here.
Win is a friendly, knowledgable guide - he speaks pretty good English and does a great job of explaining everything about the process of crafting lacquerware. His family has been producing lacquer in the traditional manner for about 3 or 4 generations - previously, they used inferior techniques, but stepped up their game to begin producing better wares. It's an extremely time-consuming process, and even a small teacup might take 3 or 4 months from start to finish. The tour shows all steps and aspects of the lacquerware process - you'll get to see Jasmine family artisans hard at work, and maybe stick your head into the underground drying room.
As other reviewers have noted, Win will be quick to inform you that the Jasmine family's product is the real deal - their lacquer uses 11 to 14 layers, beginning from a wood or bamboo base, whereas other competitors (even in Bagan, Myanmar's capital for lacquerware production) merely dip plastic cups or bowls from China in 1 or 2 layers of lacquer, which will soon begin to chip away. After seeing how Jasmine Family manufactured their stuff and taking a critical eye to other lacquer product in Myanmar, Win is absolutely right - most of it is crap, and the plastic-based cups and bowls will bend and flex under pressure whereas proper lacquer will not. Supporting small business is always pleasant, but especially so when they've got, by far, the superior product.
The tour wraps in the Jasmine Family's lacquer storeroom - honestly, it's beautiful stuff. Prices run from $5 (for a 4-5 color bangle) to maybe $7-10 for a cup or bowl, and $25 or more for larger, more elaborate pieces - a bit higher than what you might find at other workshops in Myinkaba or from the hawkers outside Bagan's temples, but very reasonable considering the quality and care that goes into the product. Plus, you can bargain down if you're buying multiple pieces.
I spent almost a full month traveling in Myanmar and still wish I had bought more gifts from Jasmine Family - personally, I thought these were some of the coolest handicrafts I saw in the entire country, and they were definitely among the highest-quality. If you're looking to buy lacquerware in the Bagan area, or want to learn about how it's made, it's hard to go wrong with a visit here.
Written October 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emil_Unzer
Brazil206 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
The whole family is welcoming and dedicated like very few to its craft. The lacquerware products are in fact superior without use of aritificiais dyes and several layers of lacquer. The whole process is patiently explained and shown. We loved the environment and family. Would love to go back and buy some more.
Written July 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah K
Vietnam44 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
It was my 2nd time in Bagan and I have seen the famous big Lacquerware Shops already - this time I wanted to see something special and authentic and I found the Jasmine Family in Myin Ka Bar village (between Old Bagan and New Bagan). Mr Shein Aung was so friendly showing me around and some of the family members gave me some demonstration about the process.
As I have some Burmese friends in Yangon they have never been to Bagan I bought some guest presents for the whole family and the price is very affordable, the quality is good and I can recommend this shop to all guests.
The family was so friendly and helped me finding special candies for my friends in Yangon and all in all: please support this lovely family when visiting in Bagan.
The location is a little bit complicated: you have to go to the village Myin Ka Bar (Google Maps spelling) between New Bagan and Old Bagan. When coming from New Bagan, you will find a temple on the left hand side. Right after the temple there is a small street (direction to the river), follow the street maybe 100 meters and you will find the Jasmine Family on the right hand side.
As I have some Burmese friends in Yangon they have never been to Bagan I bought some guest presents for the whole family and the price is very affordable, the quality is good and I can recommend this shop to all guests.
The family was so friendly and helped me finding special candies for my friends in Yangon and all in all: please support this lovely family when visiting in Bagan.
The location is a little bit complicated: you have to go to the village Myin Ka Bar (Google Maps spelling) between New Bagan and Old Bagan. When coming from New Bagan, you will find a temple on the left hand side. Right after the temple there is a small street (direction to the river), follow the street maybe 100 meters and you will find the Jasmine Family on the right hand side.
Written April 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer4Life
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia13 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
This place is small and discreet and off the main road just behind Golden Cuckoo. The two brothers who have this art passed down to them from generation to generation are extremely knowledgable and welcoming. The workshop was extremely knowledgable and well-informed and it takes you through the process from beginning to end of how lacquerware is made.
Prices aren't exactly the cheapest but they have a wonderful range of lacquerware and some amazing craftsmanship. The quality was a lot higher then the other places I've seen. The designs are divided between traditional (designs which can be found all over Myanmar, extremely similar) and contemporary (which are based off traditional designs, but are their own). They only take cash so I highly recommend you have lots of cash changed at the money changers and ready to shop.
If I could only visit one lacquerware shop on my trip to Myanmar, it would definitely be to Jasmine Family.
Prices aren't exactly the cheapest but they have a wonderful range of lacquerware and some amazing craftsmanship. The quality was a lot higher then the other places I've seen. The designs are divided between traditional (designs which can be found all over Myanmar, extremely similar) and contemporary (which are based off traditional designs, but are their own). They only take cash so I highly recommend you have lots of cash changed at the money changers and ready to shop.
If I could only visit one lacquerware shop on my trip to Myanmar, it would definitely be to Jasmine Family.
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Onemorekiwi
Eindhoven, The Netherlands40 contributions
Win met us at a pagoda and handed his card to us so we could visit later. We went to a restaurant in Mykinbar to clarify directions but the owners kindly called him (they knew his number) and he came and lead us to his workshop/home at 8pm after our day sightseeing.
He showed us the many processes it takes to make quality lacquerware (about 11 layers) and explained that lesser quality ones have less layers (they also make those, cheaper). It is all hand made from bamboo etc. in his home, unlike some larger sellers who get the basic bowl shapes made of plastic from China.
Win explained where he bought his products from like colours, bamboo and of course lacquer as not all can be grown in Bagan.
Overall it was a very educational shopping experience and in the end we bought a couple of gifts at very reasonable prices.
Allow at least an hour to have the full experience.
I highly recommend checking Jasmine out and if you are looking to buy something you know that all the money is going towards this lovely family.
He showed us the many processes it takes to make quality lacquerware (about 11 layers) and explained that lesser quality ones have less layers (they also make those, cheaper). It is all hand made from bamboo etc. in his home, unlike some larger sellers who get the basic bowl shapes made of plastic from China.
Win explained where he bought his products from like colours, bamboo and of course lacquer as not all can be grown in Bagan.
Overall it was a very educational shopping experience and in the end we bought a couple of gifts at very reasonable prices.
Allow at least an hour to have the full experience.
I highly recommend checking Jasmine out and if you are looking to buy something you know that all the money is going towards this lovely family.
Written August 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cirque
Jakarta, Indonesia8,133 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
Agreed with previous reviewer, do not visit those streetside lacquerware shops and workshop. Despite having little knowledge of how lacquerware is made from museum, the owner's explanation of the business and how lacquerware business flourishes in Bagan was never taught elsewhere, you also get to see the steps in making these craft in the village setting, there is no staging here. The family has limited collection and thus not every model is available. The ones which are cheap (which easily cracks) are actually made of plastic!
The location is off the street, so ask your driver to look behind small alley.
The location is off the street, so ask your driver to look behind small alley.
Written November 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toby J
Fairfax, CA37 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Great family workshop to learn and see the complex process involved in lacquerware making. Also, great selection to buy high quality end products (all made there) at good prices.
Written August 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Han N
Darwin, Australia9 contributions
Sep 2018
If you are looking for good quality lacquer wares with reasonable price, I would say this is the right place to be. Very friendly owner and attentive customer service as well.
Written September 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vorrei sapere il costo medio di una scatola dimedie dimensioni(diametro 15 cm)
Written August 14, 2018
Hello,
I am wondering if anyone knows the cost to ship to the U.S.? I will probably be buying several pieces, but am hoping to ship them home. Thanks!
Written April 30, 2018
I have done this. Jasmine does have a shipping company but it’s not cheap. When I shipped out of there i used DHL. I had no issues.
Written September 28, 2018
Hi,
We stayed with you on April 23-25, in the attic room. I thought I had taken the white (apple) cord connecting with an electric outlet to charge my I pad. Is there any chance I left it after all?
Thanks for getting back to me,
Flora INgenhousz
Written June 25, 2015
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