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"Za" is a special Burr obtained
from the trees like Maple, Rhododendron, Avocado, Chesnut and many other species. However,
the Burr from white and red maple trees is considered as the best quality
Za.
Zhapchi is an item made out of Za (burr) categorised in differnt qualities
based on their inherent properties such as:
- Woogza, (patterns like Owl's
feather) considered the best amongst za items
- Tasochen , (Patterns like Horse teeth
also considered good
- Nyukza, (Patterns like bamboo leaves)-good
In
general Zapchu (pattern of a Za) is specified in two classes:
- Foza (Male Za
which has broader pattern than moza)
- Moza(Female Za has narrow and refined pattern
than Foza)
The Zapchis are not available in large quantity. It depends on
people's luck to find one. Za hunting could be risky and dangerous, as it requires
experience and knowledge. The hunt has to be done on certain dates and tutelary deities must
be appeased as you will require protection from evil spells. The Burr is cut into different
sizes according to their shapes. After a rough shape on lathe it has to be seasoned for
months. After that, they are to be shaped with fine lathing equipment and to be sand papered
well with sand paper leaves. There after it is lacquered with natural lacquer substance
extracted out of lacquer trees.
The application of lacquer to be done in thin
coatings repeating not less than 10 times. After lacquering they are ready for use." Zapchi
Phobs" are used by different people. In general, Cups are called "soenam Phob". The cups
used by monks are called "Gelong Zhecha"," Kemarchen", and the ones used by for ladies
are called "Mofor".
Zhapchi phobs are considered/regarded as the generator of
"luck for life" so many Bhutanese wish to collect them. It is believed that a good Zaphob
can avert accidents and protect the user from food poisoning. However, while all the Zaphobs
are good, most important aspect is that the Za pattern must match with ones " Karmic
properties". People collect Zaphobs till they are able to acquire the right one that
matches their karmic properties. The bigger Zas are also made into "Dapas" which is used
as plates. Eating in Zapchi Dapa and phob are believed to be bringing good fortunes and
expected to enrich ones life. Thus za always fetched high value in Bhutanese society since
time immemorial. It continues to receive high demand for Zapchis as it also has status
symbol attached to it. Further with the emphasis on preservation of our age-old culture and
tradition this art is being revived and accorded more importance than ever before.
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