The Tree That Cries Gold: The Hidden Origins of Natural Lacquer

Have you ever looked at a piece of jewelry and wondered where it truly began? Not in a factory, not in a lab—but in the heart of a living tree. At Karma Patron, many of our pieces are made using a rare and ancient material called natural lacquer, or Urushi in Japanese. This blog will take you back to the very root of it all—literally—to introduce you to the lacquer tree and the extraordinary art of harvesting its precious sap.

What Is a Lacquer Tree?

The lacquer tree, known scientifically as Toxicodendron vernicifluum, is native to East Asia—mainly China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in warm, humid regions, often in the mountains, and takes at least 7 years before it can be tapped for its valuable sap.

Unlike maple trees that produce syrup or rubber trees that give latex, this tree gives something far more unique: natural lacquer, a milky white liquid that slowly turns into a glossy, protective finish when exposed to moisture in the air. It’s one of the oldest natural coatings known to humans—used for over 8,000 years.

As someone who has worked with natural lacquer materials for years, I can say: it’s not just a coating. It’s a living, breathing part of the object.

How Is Lacquer Collected?

Lacquer harvesting is a slow, hands-on process done in the hot summer months, from June to September.

Here’s how it works:

• Artisans make small cuts in the bark using a special knife.

• The tree releases sap—just a few drops at a time.

• The sap is collected by hand and filtered to remove impurities.

• It’s stored in sealed containers, away from light and heat.

Each tree produces only 150–200 grams of lacquer per year—less than a cup of coffee. It’s easy to ruin if exposed to air or handled incorrectly.

Importantly, after one harvest season, each tree is left to rest for two years. This allows it to recover and prevents over-tapping.

In this way, lacquer work remains deeply tied to nature. It’s sustainable, respectful, and slow by design. As craftsmen often say, lacquer teaches patience—because nature sets the pace.

A Gentle Ritual, Not Just a Craft

One of the most beautiful aspects of lacquer harvesting is how respectful it is to the tree.

The artisans do not strip the tree or harm it permanently. Instead, each cut is carefully planned. The tree is given time to heal between sessions. A good lacquer harvester knows how to listen—to the weather, to the forest, and even to the tree itself.

To me, this ritual reflects something deeper: the harmony between humans and nature that’s so deeply rooted in Eastern tradition. It’s about taking just enough, and never more.

Natural Lacquer vs. Synthetic Paint: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick comparison:

As someone who's worked with both, the difference is clear. Natural lacquer ages like wood or leather—it gains depth and character over time. Synthetic finishes? They just wear out.

⬆️Synthetic paint breaks down in heat.
The water turns yellow, showing chemical leaching.

⬆️Natural lacquer stays stable even when boiled.
The water remains clear—no chemicals leach out.

What Is Natural Lacquer Used For?

This rare material isn’t just for jewelry. It’s been used for centuries across many cultures.

• Historical Art & Artifacts

Natural lacquer has preserved some of the oldest cultural treasures in China, Korea, and Japan. Think of ancient burial chests, Buddhist statues, ceremonial bowls—many are still intact after thousands of years, thanks to lacquer.

• Everyday Tools and Decor

In traditional Asian homes, lacquer was used for bowls, boxes, and writing tools. Today, high-end homeware still uses natural lacquer for its organic warmth and protective strength.

• Modern Jewelry & Fashion

Today, brands like Karma Patron bring this material into modern jewelry design. We combine lacquer with natural wood, metal, and gemstones to create pieces that feel alive—each one with a unique texture and story.

• Functional Protection

Natural lacquer is waterproof, insect-resistant, and anti-bacterial. It was traditionally used to protect boats, armor, and household items in humid climates.

Why Is It So Valuable?

Lacquer is rare—not because it’s hard to find, but because it’s hard to harvest, preserve, and use well.

• Each drop takes time to collect.

• It needs experienced hands to apply it correctly.

• The curing process is slow and sensitive.

• It cannot be mass-produced.

And more than that, it connects us to something deep and timeless. You can feel it. When you hold a piece made with real lacquer, you’re not just holding a product—you’re holding a story, a process, and a tradition that has survived for millennia.

Final Thoughts: Wearing a Piece of Time

When you wear a Karma Patron bracelet or pendant finished with natural lacquer, you're wearing more than a beautiful object. You're wearing a moment from a tree that grew for decades, and the patient work of artisans who knew how to honor it.

That’s not just jewelry. That’s legacy.