Literature from worldhistory
The “National Lacquer” Sedimented by Time
In the millennia-long river of Chinese culture, there is a material renowned as the “King of Coatings.” It is corrosion-proof, moisture-resistant, and retains its warm luster, remaining radiant even after crossing seven thousand years of history. This material is Natural Chinese Lacquer (also known as Raw Lacquer or Da Qi).
Natural lacquer is not just a coating; it is a vessel for Chinese aesthetics and the spirit of craftsmanship. Today, let’s explore this gift from nature and see how it is quietly integrating into our modern lives with its profound strength.
Part I. A Gift from Nature: “A Hundred Miles, a Thousand Cuts, for a Pound of Lacquer”
Natural lacquer, as the name suggests, is the milky, viscous sap that flows from the bark of the lacquer tree when cut. Its harvesting process is extremely challenging, giving rise to the ancient saying: “A hundred miles, a thousand cuts, for a pound of lacquer,” which speaks to its preciousness and scarcity.
1. Historical Status: Eternity Spanning the Neolithic Age
China is the first country in the world to recognize and utilize natural lacquer.
- Ancient Origins: Archaeological findings trace the use of Da Qi back over seven thousand years to the Neolithic Age.
- Imperial Use: Historical records state that “Shun made black-lacquered tableware, and Yu made ritual vessels, black on the outside, red-painted on the inside.” This indicates that lacquer has always been a noble coating for imperial and ritual objects.
- Impervious to Time: From the painted terracotta warriors of the Qin Dynasty to the lacquerware unearthed from the Han tombs at Mawangdui, objects coated in lacquer remain brightly lustrous after thousands of years of burial, proving its exceptional anti-corrosion and durability.
2. The Extraordinary Qualities of the “King of Coatings”
Natural lacquer earns its “National Treasure” status due to its unique physical and chemical properties:
- Durability and Resilience: It boasts extremely strong adhesion, resistance to acid, alkali, high temperatures, and abrasion, serving as a natural preservative.
- Eco-Friendly and Safe: Extracted purely from nature, the cured film is non-toxic, non-polluting, and non-radiating, making it a safe, premium coating.
- Warm Luster: The finish is subtly radiant and warm to the touch. With time and handling, it develops a unique patina, making the color and texture grow richer and more mesmerizing.
Part II. The Art of Lacquer: A Weave of Time and Technique
The beauty of lacquer is epitomized by the process of “Xiu Shi” (髹饰). “Xiu” means to coat an object with lacquer, and “Shi” refers to the decorative patterns. A fine lacquer piece often requires dozens, or even a hundred, complex steps, taking months or even years to complete.
Among these techniques, the Floating Lacquer (Piao Qi) method, often called the “Water Dance,” is Da Qi‘s most expressive and spontaneous form:
The artisan utilizes the lacquer’s insolubility in water by dripping colored lacquer onto the water’s surface. Allowing it to spread and collide under water tension, they then use breath or a fine tool to create fluid, kaleidoscopic patterns—textures that resemble flowing clouds, swirling galaxies, or abstract ink paintings. This technique produces patterns that are unique and unreproducible, a perfect blend of chance and artistry.
Part III. Integrating into Modern Life: Keeping Millennia-Old Beauty Close
Lacquer art should not be confined to museum showcases; it must step into our daily lives. A new generation of artisans is striving to revitalize this ancient craft by presenting it in modern, practical forms.
One of the most innovative integrations is the fusion of natural lacquer with everyday accessories.
Imagine the ethereal, flowing textures of Piao Qi, rich with Eastern artistic conception, adorning your daily handbag.
✨ Our Natural Floating Lacquer Bags: Wearable Art
We are dedicated to combining the durability and warmth of traditional Da Qi with the unique spontaneity of the Piao Qi technique to create the innovative Natural Floating Lacquer Handbag.
- Unique “Ink Wash” Texture: The Piao Qi pattern on every bag is unique, like an abstract painting completed on water, meaning you own an unrepeatable, portable piece of art.
- Durable and Moisture-Proof Quality: Thanks to the superior anti-corrosion and moisture-resistant properties of natural lacquer, the bag is not only beautiful but also durable for daily use, ready to withstand various conditions.
- Warm Eastern Aesthetic: Moving away from the coldness of industrial materials, our lacquer bags are warm to the touch. With use, they will develop their own unique sheen, becoming an object with life and a story—a cherished companion.
Lacquer is no longer a distant luxury; it is a daily accessory that enhances life quality and personal style. Through this innovation, we hope to enable more people to truly integrate this seven-thousand-year-old Eastern beauty into their lives and carry it with them.
Conclusion
Natural lacquer carries the vitality of nature and the patience and wisdom of the artisan. It is not only the finest protection for objects but also a conduit for an aesthetic that is subtle, profound, and enduring.
When you carry a bag adorned with the Piao Qi texture, you are touching not just the luster of the lacquer film, but the warmth of seven millennia of history.