Lacquer Object
Natural Lacquer: An Eight-Millennium Legacy of Craft
Natural lacquer, harvested by hand from the Oriental lacquer tree, boasts a history of use spanning eight thousand years. Among its masterpieces, bodiless lacquerware stands alongside cloisonné and Jingdezhen porcelain, revered as the "Three Treasures" of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
The lacquer tree thrives under strict conditions and requires a full decade to mature before its sap can be tapped, making the raw lacquer exceptionally precious. An old proverb captures this labor: "A thousand cuts over a hundred miles, for just one pound of lacquer." Once filtered and refined through time-honored methods, this superior lacquer becomes remarkably acid-resistant, moisture-proof, and heat-tolerant—all while being completely natural and eco-friendly.
The birth of an exquisite lacquer piece is a meditative dance with time. It must undergo dozens of meticulous steps—layer application, sanding, inlaying, polishing, gold-sprinkling (maki-e)—each demanding patient refinement. The entire process must harmonize with nature, carefully guided by shifts in temperature and humidity, often stretching over two to three months. Every gleam on its surface holds the warmth of time and the human hand.
