The Tamil Treasure blog was established on July 2011 to showcase information of the items collected to everyone and build bridges of understanding and friendship with our multicultural society. Through informative materials, special events and cultural sharing that this blog has received multiple positive feedbacks on its representation of contemporary Indian culture as well as preservation of the old and treasured. All the items showcased in this blog are for our own references.
Very RARE kodam type (water vessel), which was used in 1930's or early. Made from jack fruit wood and applied lacquer on top. This kodam was used in Burma by Indians and locals to carry water during old era. There is Burmese inscription on it...which name of the owner.
This tiffin carrier was made in Burma. It is made from jack fruit wood and it is called lacquer tiffin carrier and we bought this tiffin in Penang. There is no Tamil words inscribed on it. According to some sources, this lacquer tiffin was of a favourite to Tamil Chettiar community in those days. It has never being used. Believed to be used in 1970's or earlier. It is a very interesting item!!!
Lacquer betel nut box. It was originated from Burma. It was believed to be used in early 1940's. This betel nut box also one of the favorite for Nyonya community. Chewing betel was one of the most favorite to Indians. They usually chew the betel leaves after their meals. The compartment in the box made from silver (low grade) and it used to place ingredients needed to chew betel. According to older generations of Indian people, a lot of Indian people use to work in Burma in those days. They will buy this and present it as a gift to friends or for wedding DOWRI.
This pair of slipper was made from Burmese lacquer. Burmese lacquer is generally applied to products made from coiled bamboo or jack fruit wood. Burmese lacquer is very distinctive in its form, colour and production methods. It is believed to be used in 1940's by wealthy people. I bought this in Tamil Nadu (Karaikudi). According to the previous owner, it is very rare to obtain them because normally the slipper will not last long and will be thrown away. He also mentioned that those days wealthy people will use this slipper mainly for travelling purposes because of its exquisite decorations and pattern. The strap was made by leather and cover-up in satin cloth. It's a very interesting pair of slipper.
