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Lacquer-ware of China

Lacquer-ware is an unique and ancient Asian and Chinese art form that is unusual as it is created as an overlay to a base material. While there are several types of lacquer the true lacquer is derived from the sap of the "Rhus" tree; the best standard of sap comes from the species "Rhus Verniciflua" that is common throughout China, Korea and Japan. Lacquer or lacquer-ware is also known simply by the term "Lac".

The term " lacquer" is is believed to be derived from the Indian Hindi language of the early 17th century and was introduced to Europe by the early Portuguese traders who had first encounted lacquer-ware in japan where the art was practiced to exceptionally high levels of craftsmanship.

The base materials used is may be timber, bamboo or even pottery or any other material that happens to be available. The resin is applies over the base material one layer at a time and allowed to completely dry before each subsequent layer is applied Each layer is then polished before the next layer is applied. This process may require as many as two or three hundred layers although, most works will consist of around one hundred and fifty layers. As the layers are built up the addition of colouring agents to the resin.

The emergence of lacquer as a medium for crafting art and functional products dates to the Neolithic period of Chinese History. A red lacquer bowl unearthed in Yayao, Zhejiang province from the Hemudu remains is estimated at 7,000 years.

Lacquer ware became increasingly popular during the Zhou, Warring States Period and through the Han Dynasties. Lacquer ware during the Han Dynasty was considered a symbol of fortune and high status.

Records from the period indicate that large areas of "Lacquer " trees were planted as plantation specifically for the industry. Lacquer was considered as an important part of the culture and many items of fine craftsmanship come from the Han period. Items produced were not only functional but also decorative and this was during the later Tang Dynasty to become all important as the arts of silk and porcelain making expanded so too did that of decorative inlay with lacquer-ware.

The classical period of lacquer is still regarded as the earlier Warring States Period. This was the peak era for the production and is also marked by the " Red & Black " lacquer-ware that is accepted as the classical style. The example of the plate is typical of the type of lacquer produced. The dragon design and the heavy engraving were both characteristics of the period.

Since the end of the Han Dynasty the production of lacquer ware has declined, principally as a result of the advances in porcelain making. The time required to produce lacquer made it uneconomical to produce; certainly this was true for any large scale production.

From the end of the Tang dynasty until modern times lacquer has been used for its artistic values. During the Ming Dynasty ( 1368 - 1644 ) works made from lacquer are acclaimed for their artistic qualities.

Today Lacquer is still produced using the techniques that have been practiced over the centuries. Each piece is hand made, built up layer by layer over several months and finally hand carved.

The works that silkporcelain are able to supply are all excellent examples of the craft.