Yangon’s gold embroidery sales revive, attracting foreign buyers

The sale of gold embroideries has regained momentum in Yangon, a key market for such items, according to Daw Yamin Thu, Managing Director of Shwe Gon Thu Souvenir Shop in Bahan Township, Yangon. Gold embroideries from Myanmar primarily attract foreign buyers, and since early 2023, demand has been resurging.
“The 14 square inches gold embroidery paintings are popular, especially as gifts. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were 40 different designs available for this size. However, during the Covid-19 period in 2021, sales completely stopped. Only in late 2022, on arrival of some foreign travellers, did the market for gold embroidery items begin to show slight activity. In 2024, the industry is operating, although sales volumes have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. Currently, we offer only 200 paintings with seven designs. Since most travellers are Thai, gold embroideries featuring the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda are popular,” explained Daw Yamin Thu. The designs predominantly showcase Myanmar traditions, including the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar traditional music orchestras, peacocks, Myanmar bullock carts, Karaweik, pairs of Myanmar mythical birds, Buddhist monks on alms rounds, traditional drums, and related musical instruments, a flock of deer, and puppets. — ASH/ TMT