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China’s lacquer ware industry flourished during the Warring States Period, as more and more people started to use lacquer ware to replace bronze vessels. Just before the Tang dynasty, Chinese lacquer-making techniques were introduced to Japan. During the Qing dynasty, Europeans started to import Chinese lacquer items from China in large numbers.

The superior quality of lacquer ware is undisputed. In ancient tombs, lacquer ware is usually the only group of items that have kept their original form largely intact. In many of Beijing’s museums, visitors can find a great number of beautiful lacquer works used by ancient Chinese royalty that look as though they were just made.

The best qualities of lacquer ware is sometimes referred to as the “four resists.” It resists moisture, heat, acid, and corrosion, the four biggest potential hazards associated with the preservation of any household item. The unique material used to make it and the traditional techniques applied give it these great qualities.

Even though it’s substantial and firm, a lacquer ware is very light. Its strength comes not from the density of the material or the size of its body, but the multiple layers of lacquer painted to make it. Because lacquer ware is strong, its beautiful and smooth surface is not easily damaged. Washing it is also an easy task.

Nowadays there are lacquer ware factories in China that produce works even more beautiful than the famous antiques. Local flair characterizes the work produced in the different cities. Beijing remains a major manufacturer, and the products it makes are known for their special multi-layer design and noble red color.

A number of styles of lacquer ware are famous for their unique characteristics, they include: the elegant mother-of-pearl lacquer ware produced in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, the especially durable lacquer ware from Fujian province, and the lacquer ware produced in Sichuan, Shanxi, Guizhou, Gansu, Jiangxi, and Shaanxi province.

There are about 14 major styles of lacquer ware produced in China, they are:

1. Single-color ware

2. Clear-top-coat ware

3. Lacquer-painted ware

4. Gilt ware

5. Lacquer-embossed ware

6. Lacquer-filled ware

7. Gold-filled ware

8. Lacquer-gold-filled

9. Mother-of-pearl

10. Carved

11. Rhinoceros-leather ware

12. Carved Multi-color ware

13. Multi-jewel ware

14. Bodiless ware

A well-done piece of lacquer ware is definitely one of the best decorations you can put in your home. The unique carvings, exquisite color, and mixed sense of magnificence, high-class, and mystery that it gives add style, taste, and beauty to your room.

Shop for authentic lacquer ware only in shops with well-established reputations. Beware, because there are many fake items and bad imitations in the market nowadays. First-time visitors in Beijing are especially vulnerable to being ripped-off by street vendors and dishonest gift shops. You can find a personal shopper to help you get to the best shops with true lacquer ware items.

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