МАЭ № 5320-83

Vase

Chinese

red lacquer

Production of lacquer ware is one of the oldest and most famed crafts in China. The use of the lacquer tree resin is one of the great Chinese inventions, along with porcelain, paper and gunpowder. In the natural environment, lacquer trees grow in mountainous regions, but the Chinese long ago bred the sorts that are adapted to different natural conditions. Lacquer tree resin has unique properties that can be compared to those of polymers. It can be applied to any surface; it is water and air resistant, can withstand temperatures up to 400°C, preserves wood and fabrics, and protects metals from corrosion. That is why lacquer is used in the production of arms, architecture and art. Resin is collected from cuts on tree stems once in two or three years. Then, raw resin is purified and boiled to remove extra moist, and mixed with other substances. Often, it is dyed. The production of lacquer ware is a complicated and labor-consuming process. First, the mould is grounded and polished with water and pumice to remove the tiniest fractions of dirt. Then the surface is covered with layers of lacquer and dried. There are painted, relief, inlaid and other types of lacquer ware. One of the most popular types of lacquer ware is carved red lacquer. This technique is used to produce vases, caskets, decorations, furniture and interior objects.

Ethnography of East and South-East Asia