Black Elephant Studio
Black Elephant Studio, Sein Gone quarter, Min Ka Bar, Old Bagan (Burma)About
Location :
Added by Jopie, at 01 August 2017
Opening Hours
- Monday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Thursday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM
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7 Reviews
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28 May 2018
Veronica and her team produces the most unique lacquer designs in Myanmar, period. She's an independent producer (unlike most of what you'll find in the city) and is amazingly hospitable - a must visit in Bagan!
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25 March 2018
I stumbled across mentions of The Black Elephant Studio after doing a cursory search of "shopping in Bagan." I initially discarded the idea of visiting the studio as I'd already made purchases at another lacquer store in Bagan, and thought this would be more of the same. Then I saw the Facebook page
Veronica Gritsenko's lacquer art is incomparable. It is literally one of a kind. She has dedicated the last two decades to researching and preserving the dying art of traditional lacquer. If you visit any of the lacquer shops in Bagan and ask for a description of how lacquerware is made (a process that can take several months to years), you will begin to understand the monumental scope of this task, and how difficult it is to preserve this art form as our world moves ever faster to cheap consumable goods. Genuine lacquerware is artwork worth the high price considering the number of people involved, and the amount of effort it takes to make. Veronica employs multiple individuals in the local community (some of whom have been with her for over a decade!) to assist her with her work.
Veronica's lacquer stands out from what you'll find in the typical tourist haunts, as she has developed new pigments and a method to gradate them in her lacquerwork. She has also experimented with modern designs that meld traditional and modern art, to create beautiful pieces that have attracted the attention of museums and artists worldwide. I wanted to buy several of the pieces I saw on her FB page, but her work is in high demand overseas, and sadly many of the items I was hoping to see had already been sold. That didn't stop me from picking up a jar, two cups, and a few small dishes that I found in her studio!
WARNING!! Veronica's studio is extremely difficult to find, as she does not operate a typical shop (it's literally her workspace - there is no sign outside). Her studio is in a house tucked in one of the streets behind Manuha Temple. However, I found she is very responsive to calls placed to the number listed on her Facebook page. After I couldn't find a sign, I called the number, and she sent one of her workers out to guide me from the temple to her studio.
DO NOT ASK A LOCAL OR GUIDE FOR DIRECTIONS. Like other shops in the area, the Black Elephant Studio becomes a target afterward for guides/locals returning to demand a 10-15% kickback for "leading" the tourist to their shop. It does not matter that you knew about the shop beforehand - this a typical racketeering scheme in Myanmar, and I would recommend tourists find souvenir shops on their own to help circumvent this scheme (and you might get a discount in the end!).response / report this review -
21 December 2017
Black elephant lacquer is truly unique in Bagan. The level of detail and bright colors, make this lacquerware a must have souvenir. An Ukranian lady called Veronica leads the workshop and has devoted her life to the preservation of Myanmar/Burmese lacquerware. The friendly staff will show you around and demonstrate how the process goes. Thanks for all!!!
Ps: this place is kind of hard to find; coming from old-Bagan head to new Bagan. Turn right when the road splits. Afterwards keep left and follow the road until the second bamboo fence.response / report this review -
21 December 2017
Chanced across Veronica's art by chance and found out she has a workshop near our hotel. Enjoyed marveling at the lovely gradients and hues in her works while she told us about each piece.
Veronica has decades of experience in lacqueware art and is bringing the designs and colors to the next level.
One of our best memories from Bagan and well worth visiting if you are looking for something unique. Thank you for the warm hospitality!
If you are swinging by you may wish to call ahead as the workshop is quite hidden without obvious signage.response / report this review -
17 August 2017
Elegant and truly unique lacquerware that not just captures, but elevates the beauty and skill behind this local craft. Seeing so much lacquerware on display in Bagan, Veronica's Intricate designs with contemporary colours really stand out as being quite special. Listening to her, you don't just appreciate the lacquerware itself but also what she is doing with the local community to revive this traditional art. Very welcomingdefinitely drop by for a visit.
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08 August 2017
Possibly the best art studio in Bagan. Stunning, hand crafted lacquerware of premium quality. Unique designs. One of the gems of Bagan. As hard to find as it is to leave while listening to Veronica's - the owner - story and anecdotes about her work. The unique designs she develops are outstanding and her initiative lovely. Definitely worth the visit.
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08 August 2017
Très certainement l'une des découvertes les plus intéressantes - au delà des temples et pagodes - que l'on puisse faire aux alentours de Bagan. Veronica Gritsenko, l'artiste, designer, initiatrice et propriétaire du studio, nous a reçu avec une extrême gentillesse dans son atelier et fait découvrir les travaux de son équipe et elle. Le studio, bien caché à proximité de la route principale qui relie Old et New Bagan, mérite le détour. Les laques sont superbes et les designs et couleurs hors du temps et du commun. Superbe!
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