Chinese lacquerware is not merely an artistic expression but a narrative of human resilience, patience, and the intimate relationship between nature and culture. This exquisite craft, with roots stretching back over 7,000 years, embodies a rich tapestry of Chinese history, technique, and symbolic depth.
A Glimpse into History
The art of lacquerware in China began during the Neolithic period, reaching its zenith in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, where it became integral to the social fabric of ancient China. It was prized among the elite for its beauty and durability, symbolizing status and wealth. Over centuries, the craft evolved, with each dynasty adding its layer of refinement, making lacquerware a continuous thread woven through the fabric of Chinese cultural history.
The craftsman's Process
The creation of lacquerware is a dance with nature, requiring an intimate understanding of the materials and a profound level of patience and skill.
The collection of the natural lacquer
The process begins with the sap of the lacquer tree, a natural substance that undergoes a transformation into a durable, glossy coating that protects and beautifies the object it adorns.
Natural lacquer is globally recognized as the "king of coatings." A lacquer tree over its entire life cycle can only yield 10 kilograms of raw lacquer. It takes 3,000 lacquer trees to collect one kilogram of raw lacquer, and there is a strict system and method for tapping lacquer. A slight mishap can lead to the death of the lacquer tree, hence the saying, "a hundred miles and a thousand cuts for one kilogram of lacquer." Lacquer farmers usually enter the mountains at midnight, and they must change the clamshell (which is used to collect the lacquer) every few seconds, which is why the price of lacquer on the market today is extremely expensive. (source)
Preparation of the "base material"
The base material, often wood, bamboo, or metal, is meticulously shaped and smoothed, prepared to receive the lacquer.
Application of the lacquer, polishing, and decoration
The lacquer, once extracted, is applied in thin layers. Each layer must dry and harden in a humidity-controlled environment before the next is applied. For a typical lacquerware piece to complete, it takes a minimum of 20-30 layers of application, which amounts to at least months of craftsman's work. This is a process that demands patience and precision.
After several layers, the surface is polished to a high shine, and decorations can be added. Techniques such as carving, inlaying with precious materials, or painting with colored lacquers introduce intricate details and vibrant stories into the piece.
Finishing touches
The final layers of lacquer are applied and polished, culminating in an object that is not only visually stunning but also robust and functional.
Symbolism: Resilience and Patience
The essence of Chinese lacquerware lies not only in its physical beauty but in the symbolic meanings embedded within its creation and use. Resilience is a core theme, reflected in both the material and the method. The lacquer, derived from a natural sap, undergoes a transformation under the artisan's hand, emerging as something enduring and beautiful.
An ancient Chinese poem once praised: "Raw lacquer is as pure as oil, its treasured light shines upon one’s head; it stirs up the color of tiger stripes, like lifting a fishing hook; penetrating wood three parts deep, its luster forever remains." This describes the physical properties of lacquer, such as its resistance to corrosion and penetration.
Patience is equally integral to the craft. The slow, deliberate application of each layer, the waiting, the polishing—all these steps require a level of patience that transcends the ordinary. In a world that often prizes speed and efficiency, lacquerware serves as a reminder of the value of slowing down, of giving attention and care to our endeavors. It symbolizes the belief that true beauty and strength come from a slow accumulation of effort and care, an ethos deeply ingrained in Chinese philosophy and culture.
The modern innovation of the old technique
Today, craftsmen are innovating the old technique of Chinese lacquerware with modern design and inspirations, introducing a fresh perspective to this ancient art. By using elements directly from nature as the base materials, such as the real leaves of the Ramie plant, these artisans are creating pieces that not only celebrate traditional craftsmanship but also embody a deep connection to the natural environment. This approach transforms everyday objects, like earrings, into unique expressions of the world around us.
Using fallen leaves as the base material, craftsmen are able to capture and preserve the essence of the leaf's journey — from the gentle caresses of sunlight to the challenges of wind and weather. This process imbues each piece with a story, a history of resilience and beauty that wearers can carry with them.
This innovative blend of tradition and modernity offers a new way to appreciate the art of lacquerware. It's not just about creating beauty; it's about preserving a moment in time, a piece of nature, and presenting it in a way that speaks to the contemporary soul.
