CultureLacquer Ware
From the Shang Dynasty to the Han, colorful painting, gold inlaying and other techniques were introduced into the making of lacquer ware. The oldest lacquer ware discovered dates back to the Warring State Period (403-221 BC) when lacquer ware was popular.
Chinese lacquer is a natural varnish made from the sap of the lacquer tree. Exposed to air, it forms a plastic coat, resistant to water, acid or alkaline corrosion. To make lacquer ware, a base coat is applied to a core material, followed by extremely thin layers of the finest lacquer. Once these have dried, a final layer is added to make the lacquer strong and light, whilst maintaining the elegant appearance and harmonious color. It was in the Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties, when the lacquer ware production started to flourish.
The best-known lacquer ware, which is produced in the Fujian Province, is the solid lacquer without any wooden base, characterized by its heat, acid and alkali resistant properties.
