Shopping lacquer and more

Lacquer ware are the primary products made here.

The production is the so called "Cottage Industry" and employs most people in the region beside of tourism. The basics to consider when searching for some pretty things is, new style or old style. 
When you have a look it immediately becomes visible that the old designs are quite cheap and the new are quite expensive. The items are mainly black sometimes with some gold leaves on it, that is real gold hammered into extremely thin pieces.

This are very decorative items and have some value, e.g. the gold seen here is real one, although very thinly hammered leaves.

Beside of souvenirs and decorative things are small furniture made from, they usually real attractive, when you like it buy it, it's totally unique and and a added value in every home. No need to think about shipping since the shop will do it in the right way. I bought something several times and it always went well with a EU destination. 
  
 

The crafts you can only find here easily, there are also some shops in Mandalay and Yangon but they are difficult to find, expensive and have a very limited assortment. If you like the old style creations this are stylish and interesting handicrafts which can be useful and decorative you could also get them in the Bogyoke Market.