Lacquerware originated in China approximately 3,000 years ago and spread to almost every country in east Asia. Its uses are broad, ranging from religious ritual abjects to architectural decoration, furniture, musical instruments and everyday utensils. Lacquer may be applied to a base material of wood, porcelain, bamboo, leather, paper, fabric, and even stone or metal. Although traditional techniques of lacquerware have been relatively well preserved in each country, it was thought necessary to bring the lacquerware masters of producing countries together to compare techniques and designs and to discuss common solutions for the future development of the lacquerware industry and its markets.
Twenty-two artisans and specialists from eleven countries, accompanied by a number of Myanmar artisans, participated in the workshop. An exhibition of lacquerware brought by the participating artisans was held during the
workshop. Participants also visited lacquerware workshops in Pagan and compared their respective techniques.

Japan Funds-in-trust, $76,840

As a follow up of this workshop, a publication has been made in the Memory of Peoples series in 2002.