Unique Arts & Crafts

The marble carving workshops are near the Mahamuni Pagoda. Marbles are sources from the Sagin quarry around 56 kilometres north of Mandalay. Many religious items, mainly Buddha images and stone slabs for inscription are produced at these workshops. Tourists can visit these workshops, understand how the craft is done as well as purchase some memorabilia.

The Mandalay area is famous for intricate wood carving work. There are several wood carving workshops located all around which produces ornate items ranging from religious statues to decorative flowers. These workshops are located near the Mahamuni pagoda and are worth a visit.

Tourists can visit bronze casting workshops at the Tempawaddy ward located between Mandalay and Amarapura. Statues of Buddha, bells, gongs, tri-gongs and other products are made in these workshops. These are great places to pick up some gifting items.

Weaving is one of the main professions of the Amarapura people. The town hosts over one hundred looms which are used to create ornate designs and patterns on silk. The Myanmarese people wear these clothes on ceremonies and special occasions. This is a famous cottage industry of the country and is worth visiting.

Mandalay can also offer the best place to see Tapestry, embroidery, and appliqué work which is located in the Shwe-gyi-do quarter of Mandalay. Tapestry is designed as pictures illustrating the Jataka stories and hats, bags, purses, and wallets for modern tapestry.

Gold leaf beating is also unique handdicraft in Mandalay Its process is very detail and interesting not only for tourists but also for local people. These leaves are then applied to offer to sacred shrines, pagodas, and images; also gild to walls, ceilings, and pillars of monasteries.