Hla Day Myanmar

Ko Nyi Nyi Aung first started making paper mache toys in 2009 as ingenious presents for his son La Min. Since then, his pastime has evolved into a growing business that used to employ ten people at two locations in Yangon. 

Paper mache crafts have a long history in Myanmar, where they are traditionally sold at pagoda entrances. The figures are made over a wooden mold and left to dry in the sun for a lengthy period of time; afterward, each object is individually painted. Bigger customized paper mache items can be constructed over large bamboo frames – a skill requiring the paper mache master himself! 

Ko Nyi Nyi Aung masterfully combines traditional techniques with modern ideas, creating a wide variety of paper mache animals and figures. Some of the animals he makes are traditionally found at pagoda entrances, even the giraffes and zebras that, of course, aren’t native to Myanmar; other - quirky- designs have been born from the collaboration with Hla Day.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and Myanmar’s ongoing instability, Ko Nyi Nyi Aung continues his work with unwavering passion. He is currently working with a team of five and remains committed to supporting other paper mache artisans in Yangon whenever possible.