Burmese Lacquer Tray 03

This is a Burmese black, orange and cream lacquerware tray. Engraved in the centre is an elaborate floral design, encircled by fine lines. Between this and the next set of fine circles is a black band with Burmese script. On the top it says the name of the master craftsman ‘Innwa’ and where it was made ‘Saya Oo’. On the bottom it says ‘Rangoon Scot Market, Ma Nge’. In the outer band three beautiful floral designs curve around the tray, enclosed by a band of geometric design. On the back of the tray is the owner's original sticker, showing the item was never used, with his initials in Tamil and English. This was done because the Chettiars typically belonged to large joint families, with each branch of the family owning very similar objects of their diasporic heritage. It was important to etch their belongings (valuable or utilitarian) with initials, clearly indicating ownership. The village name in the Chettinad district is also mentioned on the sticker.