Yuncheng Carved Lacquer Ware

The city of Yuncheng is regarded as one of the oldest birthplaces of the Chinese nation. Situated in Southwestern Shanxi, it is home to the famous “Yun Diao” lacquer ware which is often referred to as cloud carving. It is one of the rarest styles in the Chinese lacquer ware culture. The Japanese lacquer ware style “Guri” is based on the Chinese yun diao carving techniques. It is widely appreciated in Japan and has developed into a treasured traditional craft.

Dio is a special type of deep carving technique used to create cloud and ruyi shaped patterns in lacquered objects. The ruyi is a wish granting pattern that symbolizes power and great fortune. It features a long S-shaped body with the top fashioned as a fist, cloud or mushroom. The two different coloured lacquers used are distinct elements of Yuncheng lacquer ware. Cinnabar powder is added to the first layer of lacquer to create different shades of red. Gold powder can be substituted for the cinnabar to produce yellow pigments. The body is then coated in black lacquer. The red can be seen in the carved patterns. The carvings are usually cut into v shapes resembling clouds. The vivid contrast between the two colours emphasizes the detailed designs and smooth lacquer.

Yuncheng lacquer ware developed into a recognized craft during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and flourished during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties. Lacquer ware featuring yun diao carving techniques were mainly designed for nobles and the imperial court. Due to its rarity, the price for Yuncheng lacquer ware was among the highest of all lacquer ware products during this time. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, many workshops were abandoned within Beijing. Due to their flourishing economies, Yuncheng and Xinjiang were the favoured choices for yun diao craftsmen to open new workshops specializing in the rare lacquer style. By the 1930’s, yun diao lacquer ware was closely associated with Yuncheng. More than ten highly regarded yun diao workshops were established within Xinjiang. In 1958, the local government of Xinjiang recruited former imperial craftsmen to help establish the Xinjiang Fine Art Factory. The factory was created to revive yun diao lacquer ware and recover the unique techniques of the imperial craftsmen neglected over time. Modern research has helped the craftsmen combine new chemical knowledge with traditional techniques and materials to form new and unique lacquer wares. Recently, the factory created a new form of yun diao style which combines the techniques of yun diao with bodiless lacquer ware.

This rare and unique lacquer ware has become a cherished part of Chinese traditional arts and crafts. Yun diao lacquer ware is now being revived and modernized while still retaining its traditional character and charm. It has quickly evolved into a respected form of lacquer ware admired throughout the world.