Black Elephant Studio

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.

I went to Bagan two months ago and had the chance to discover this amazing workshop. The owner, Veronica Gritsenko, was a extraordinary meeting. She welcomed us, explained all the lacquerware process and invited us in her universe. I visited a lot of shops but her products were different, with a lot of details and colors, in a wonderful animal world. I felt like a I was with an old friend, who wanted to really show me her work and it was a nice feeling. I advise all travelers visiting Bagan to take the time to visit this beautiful workshop and meet this great woman, which is full of enthusiasm and passion for Burmese culture, especially lacquerware techniques. I will return there with great pleasure!

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 welcoming...definitely drop by for a visit.

A must see for people who trully like the art of lacquer work. There are a number of quality lacker producer in Bagan, but I have seen only one artist, and that is Veronica. While you will find more or less the same designs in all workshops in Bagan, Veronica's are unique. And the color she uses... marvellous and unique too. Veronica is not only an artist, but also a scholar, specialized in Asian art techniques. Her pieces are even sold by some other workhops in Bagan. Oh, and a number of museums (such as the British museum) bought several of her pieces. Her designs are sometimes copied, but (1) other workshops do not have the same colors (Veronica selects very carefully her pigments, sourcing them from the most ancient and reputable houses worldwide. All naturals of course), and (2) as Veronica is an artist, she does not mind others being "inspired" by her work: she just creates new designs all the time. I have lived in Asia for the past 10 years, and have been a lacquer enthousiast for around 3 years. I am always looking for beautiful pieces (Vietnam, Japan, India, etc). Trust me: you want to see her workshop. And if you are lucky enough, Veronica will be there, and you will be able to exchange with her about her passion. Her prices are more than fair, and that is the least I can say. Now remember, a beautiful lacquer piece takes months of work. This is why beautiful pieces earn their place in museums. Therefore, you cannot expect to pay 5 or 10 dollars for a piece. But I often think: if people are ready to pay 2000 dollars for a Chanel bag that was produced in around 10 minutes, and made by the thousand, how cheap is a couple hundred bucks for a unique item on which human beings have spent month. THIS IS THE TRUE LUXURY.

The best lacquerware in Myanmar. Their artisans are astonishing. Not cheap but absolutely worth it.

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.

EN//FR I first came across Veronica's creations in Yangon - my friend who had met her before advised I should visit Black Elephant Studios during my stay in Bagan. I was blown away by what I found there : Veronica's team members are very lovely and welcoming, and her humility equals her incredible skills. Every item she showed me was so detailed and beautiful, in a very unique style. She showed me the step by step process for lacquer making, and how she mastered her craft over years of study and practice, incorporating ancient techniques to her own aesthetics. She also explained a lot about the lacquer traditions of Myanmar - it was fantastic to get such insight, and added greatly to the already amazing experience that is Bagan. I cannot recommend enough! // J'ai découvert les créations de Veronica à Yangon - une amie qui la connaît m'a suggéré d'aller la rencontrer dans son atelier Black Elephant Studios lors de mon séjour à Bagan. Je suis restée émerveillée par ma visite : les membres de son équipe sont accueillants et généreux, leur humilité n'a d'égale que leur prodigieux talent. Chaque pièce que Veronica m'a montrée était superbe et très détaillée, dans un style vraiment unique. Elle m'a expliqué en détail le processus de fabrication des laques, et comment elle-même s'est formée et a affiné son style au fil du temps et de sa pratique - en incorporant le savoir-faire ancien à sa propre esthétique. Elle m'a aussi raconté l'histoire des traditions de fabrication de Laque à Myanmar - c'était une experience exceptionnelle, et sans doute un des souvenirs les plus marquants de mon séjour à Bagan. Visite recommandée!

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!