The realistic and elegant designs featured on Tianshui lacquer ware make this ancient folk art one of the most popular in Gansu province. The stunning patterns and quality of lacquer leave many stunned who witness the making of Tianshui lacquer ware.
Tianshui lacquer ware is famous for its polished wood style and inlaid designs which involve coral, agate, pearl, shell and other precious materials. Images are created through traditional engraving and filling techniques. It often features realistic images such as legendary and historical figures, flowers, birds and animals. The lacquer ware is mostly sooty in colour and is known for its resistance to erosion and alkaline.
With a history spanning over two thousand years, Tianshui lacquer ware has been perfected into an ancient and respected trade. In 1956, a coffin made from early Tianshui lacquer ware techniques was excavated from a tomb in the Gansu Province. The coffin is believed to be dated from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and is defined as the origin of Tianshui lacquer ware.
There are many pieces of Tianshui lacquer ware from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) which have been uncovered and display the advanced skills of craftsmen for this time in history. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), it was transported to many countries as Tianshui was the first trading stop on the Silk Road leading into Europe.
Up until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), furniture was the main form of lacquer ware created from Tianshui. Boxes, bowls, brush pots and other products started to appear late within the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Carvings, paintings and fillings made from Tianshui became popular during the early twentieth century. Filling techqniues involved filling carved patterns with coloured powder on an unpolished background. Lacquer was then added to stop the design from eroding. This style has become a very popular craft in Tianshui.
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