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How did ancient Chinese craftspeople build lacquer vessels from thin layers?
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lacquerwork
Imperial Chinese throne of the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1735–96), red lacquer carved in dragons and floral scrolls, Qing dynasty; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Ancient Chinese craftspeople created durable, lightweight lacquer vessels by applying multiple thin layers of sap from the lac tree (Rhus vernicifera) over a core material. This process involved several specialized stages and roles:1
- Core Preparation: The base of the vessel was typically crafted from wood, bamboo, or hemp cloth. The sugong was responsible for preparing this base.1
- Layering: Once the base was primed, the xiugong applied successive layers of lacquer. Because the sap is a naturally occurring polymer, it hardens into a durable, water-impervious finish when built up in thin coats.1
- Curing: To achieve maximum hardness, the lacquer required a moist environment to cure. Historically, Chinese craftspeople utilized damp conditions, such as using underground caves at night, to facilitate this process.2
- Finishing: The shanggong applied the final top layer, which was then polished to a brilliant finish. This surface served as the foundation for the huagong, or painter, to add decorative designs using pigments.1
This labor-intensive method allowed for the creation of sophisticated items ranging from daily utensils to elaborate nested coffins.1