The Ancient Shine That Lasts for Centuries: Discovering the Art of Oriental Lacquerware

As a Chinese lacquer artist, I've spent decades working with a material that breathes with time. What if I told you that some of the objects I’ve seen, coated in this ancient gloss, were made more than two thousand years ago and still shine today?

Welcome to the world of Oriental lacquerware.

What Is Oriental Lacquerware?

In Chinese, the art of making lacquerware is known as "DAQI" (大漆), meaning "great lacquer." In Japan, this ancient craft is referred to as "urushi" (漆), a term that also describes the lacquer tree sap itself. While both traditions share the same natural material, each culture has developed its own techniques, aesthetics, and symbolic meanings over centuries.

Lacquerware refers to objects—like boxes, trays, furniture, and jewelry—finished with a natural sap collected from the lacquer tree, native to East Asia. Once refined, this sap becomes a strong and glossy coating that protects and beautifies wood, metal, or fabric.

But this is not just any finish—this is an art form that has survived over 8,000 years.

How Is Lacquerware Made?

The process of creating lacquerware is both technical and spiritual. It begins with selecting the right base material—usually wood, sometimes metal or fabric.

Then comes the lacquering process:

• Raw lacquer is filtered and mixed.

• Multiple thin coats are applied, each dried in a humid, dust-free environment.

• After drying, each coat is hand-polished before the next one is added.

This can take weeks or even months. Some fine pieces receive up to 30 layers. Finally, artists may decorate the piece with gold leaf, engraving, painting, or inlays like mother-of-pearl.

You can learn more here：How We Craft Our Lacquer Bracelets

What Makes It Special?

Unlike synthetic coatings, lacquer is a living finish. It reacts subtly to light and temperature, developing depth and luster over time.

Lacquerware feels different too:

• It’s warm to the touch.

• Its shine is soft and deep, not harsh or plastic.

• Every piece is unique, shaped by hand and nature.

And it lasts. Properly made lacquerware can survive centuries with minimal fading or cracking.

A Living History in Every Piece

Chinese lacquerware has a documented history as early as the Neolithic period. During the Warring States period (475–221 BC), elaborate lacquer boxes and ritual items were already being buried in noble tombs.

• Warring States: Multi-layered trays and painted wine vessels have been excavated, still vivid in color.

• Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD): Red and black lacquerware boxes with gold accents—many fully intact—show refinement and status.

• Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD): The art peaked in technical brilliance and spread widely to Korea and Japan.

• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD): This era saw a flourish of carved lacquer techniques (tihong), producing intricate designs with great depth and symbolic meaning.

• Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 AD): Lacquerware became a symbol of imperial power and was widely used in palace furnishings, decorative screens, and ritual vessels. Techniques such as inlaid mother-of-pearl and gold decoration reached their peak.

Many of these artifacts are housed in top museums in China, Europe, and the U.S., still shining after 2,000 years.

Tradition Meets Modern Taste

Today, lacquerware is still made by hand, but modern artists blend tradition with minimalist aesthetics. At Karma Patron, we preserve core techniques while designing for today’s global sensibility.

Our bracelets, pendants, and collectible pieces:

• Use centuries-old DAQI craft.

• Are made in small batches by skilled artisans.

• Carry deep cultural meaning in every layer.

This isn’t just jewelry—it’s wearable art.

How to Care for Lacquerware

Though durable, lacquerware needs gentle care:

• Keep it dry and away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid sharp impacts or extreme temperature changes.

• Wipe with a soft cloth—never harsh cleaners.

Over time, minor scratches may heal themselves naturally through oxidation—a quality unique to real lacquer.

Final Thoughts

Oriental lacquerware is a rare meeting of nature, time, and human touch. In every smooth surface and gentle glow, you’ll find more than beauty—you’ll find soul.

Whether you're a collector, a culture lover, or just curious, DAQI lacquerware invites you to experience the stillness and power of a tradition that has endured empires.

Ready to own a piece of living history? Explore our Karma Patron lacquerware collection—crafted by hand, built to last generations.