Lacquer in Chinese Art: An Ancient Tradition

Lacquer is naturally produced by a tree that was once grown only in China. Lacquer is prepared from the sap of this tree. It is harvested and purified and dyes are added to it to give it the desired tint and shade.

Art forms such as Japanese bunraku puppet theatre have long been admired in the west. Materials such as lacquer, which have been used in Chinese art for centuries, have also found numerous applications in the west.

Lacquer was used in ancient Chinese art to create water-resistant trays and bowls. The technique of applying lacquer later spread to China’s neighbors.