FILE PHOTO: Photo taken on Oct. 31, 2025 shows a silversmith making a silver product at a workshop on Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe township, Shan state, Myanmar. - Xinhua
YANGON: Nestled among the misty hills of southern Shan state, Inle Lake has long been one of Myanmar's most treasured tourist destinations.
Its tranquil waters, floating gardens and leg-rowing fishermen have captivated travelers from around the world. Yet beyond its serene beauty, Inle is renowned for its exquisite silver craftsmanship, a tradition passed down through generations.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and amid the country's political hardships, however, the once-bustling silversmith workshops around the lake have faced an uncertain future.
With foreign visitors, their main customers, now scarce, local artisans are struggling to keep their craft alive. Many small shops have shut their doors, local residents said.
At the Ngwe Sin Tun Traditional Inle Lake Silversmith Workshop, shelves still shimmer with finely crafted silver bowls, earrings, rings and necklaces, all handmade by skilled artisans.
Salesperson Ma Thinzar said their bestsellers are traditional designs inspired by Shan and Kachin motifs.
"Before Covid-19, most of our customers were foreigners," she said. "Now, only a few foreign tourists come to Inle."
The shop, open for over a decade, once employed many silversmiths, but several left to find other work as sales declined. A few young people remain determined to preserve the heritage.
Across the lake, Aung Myat Min, owner and silversmith of Aung Myint Moh Traditional Inle Silversmith Workshop, shared a similar story. "I've been making necklaces and hand chains for over 10 years," he said. "With fewer tourists, sales have dropped."
At Khaing Shwe War Traditional Inle Silversmith Handicraft Workshop, 58-year-old Daw Nan Shwe Ohn has spent nearly two decades running her family business.
Before the pandemic, her workshop was lively, employing 12 silversmiths and seven salespeople. "Now, we only have two silversmiths and two salespersons," she said.
Her shop once offered around 380 silver designs featuring traditional Inle and Shan motifs.
Today, the family's legacy continues through her son, Aung Myat Thu, 29, who grew up surrounded by silver. "I've been involved since childhood," he said. "I enjoy creating new designs, necklaces, hand chains, and rings."
"I'll continue this craft and keep our family business alive. I just hope more foreign visitors return to Inle Lake soon," Aung Myat Thu said. - Xinhua
