Chinese lacquer ware

Chinese lacquer ware is renowned throughout the world for its smooth and professional style. Using natural elements for coating and featuring rich designs, Chinese woodcraft is highly sought after by many throughout the world. It is regarded as a true symbol of Chinese culture and is forever imprinted in the Chinese heritage.

There are many different and unique styles of varnished ornaments and woodcraft within China from provinces such as Yangzhou and Fuzhou to the capital, Beijing. Each province has a unique style of carving and many pieces of lacquer ware can be easily distinguished by their aesthetic appearance.

Throughout the numerous centuries, Chinese craftsmen have perfected lacquer ware into a well regarded form of art. Many woodcrafts feature elaborate designs and carvings which are protected from harm and erosion by the unique variations of lacquer used in Chinese lacquer ware.

Chinese woodcraft uses natural varnish created from the sap of the native lacquer tree which is abundant in the south regions of China. It is known for its strong resistance to water, acid, heat and alkaline corrosion. Many thin layers are added by hand to create the protective coat needed for quality woodcraft. Each layer must air dry before the next can be added creating a smooth, polished finish. This allows the craftsmen to carefully create intricate and beautifully carved designs on the wood. There are also many different decorative techniques unique to different parts of China including gold and silver inlays, mother-of-pearl inlays and paint fillings.

Chinese lacquer ware was created over 7000 years ago in the Neolithic Period (10000 – 2000 BC). In 1978, a small red lacquered bowl was discovered in Yuyao, Zhejiang Province making it the oldest varnished ornament in the world.
It wasn’t until the Han Dynasty (206 BC- 220 AD), that lacquer ware started replacing bronze and was used for everyday utensils and furniture. Techniques such as gold and silver inlay and carved designs were increasingly popular from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and on wards. However, due to the emergence of ceramics, lacquer ware started to disappear from everyday life and valued more for its artistic qualities.

Within the Song Dynasty (960-1279), single-coloured lacquer ware was prevalent within China. The simplicity of single colour lacquer ware allowed craftsmen to focus on the design and smooth texture needed to create rich and unique woodcraft similar to popular designs created today. In the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties, lacquer ware was primarily used for decoration rather than for practical purposes. Lacquer ware entered a new age for architecture and design.

Chinese lacquer ware is mainly used within art and woodcraft in modern times. The most popular forms of Chinese lacquer wares include boxes, bowls, furniture and souvenirs. There are many different varieties and shapes which are only restricted by the craftsman’s imagination.

Chinese Lacquer ware can be viewed in many art galleries around the world as a leading example of fine craftsmanship. This form of art has been circulated around the globe for centuries and has a large economic market in the international community. It is regarded as one of China’s most recognized crafts which has influenced the styles and techniques used by many craftsmen throughout the world today.