Handwoven Bamboo Container-Bangchung

This intricately crafted Handwoven Bamboo Container, also known as the Bangchung, is from the skilled artisans of the Kheng village of Bhutan. Made from fine strips of Yula bamboo, this Dapa-shaped container is an imitation of the traditional wooden bowl. It is decorated with colored bamboo strips in symmetrical patterns. Each piece is carefully created with a polished and glazed finish, making it perfect for serving food on any occasion. Bangchungs continue to be widely used for carrying offerings to temples and carrying food effortlessly. Nowadays, people even use them as decorative pieces or give them as gifts. It is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Bhutanese artisans. 

From the far eastern region of Bhutan to the central Khengs, highly skilled weavers have poured their hearts and souls into creating beautiful and unique bamboo pieces. They are not just about function and beauty. Bamboo crafts have become a significant source of livelihood for some communities in Bhutan, highlighting their cultural and social significance.

How are bamboo plates (bangchung) made?

• Mature bamboo stems are cut down and cross-cut into the desired lengths for making bangchung.
• The bamboo stems are then split into thin strips and dried to remove excess moisture and make them easier to work with.
• The bamboo strips are then sliced into long, narrow strips of uniform width depending on the desired size. 
•  The sliced bamboo strips are then smoothed by sanding them with coarse sandpaper or a piece of rough stone to remove any rough edges or bumps.
• The bamboo strips can be dyed using natural dyes. The most common colors used for bangchung are brown, green, yellow, and blue. 
• The dyed bamboo strips are then handwoven in a specific pattern or design to create the desired look of the bangchung.
• Once the weaving is complete, the plate is polished to give it a smooth and shiny finish.

Product Description:

dimension: 19 cm in diameter, 9.5 cm in height 

Weight: 138 grams

Dimension and colours can vary slightly