How did lacquer become important in ancestral ceremonies in ancient China?

In ancient China, lacquerware became a vital component of ancestral ceremonies primarily due to its prestige and durability. By the Warring States period, the production of lacquer had evolved into a major industry. Because these vessels were approximately ten times more expensive to produce than their bronze counterparts, they became highly esteemed among the wealthy aristocracy as the preferred medium for providing offerings during ancestral rites.1

The material's practical properties further solidified its importance. Lacquer is nearly impervious to water, which allowed vessels and wine cups to remain in perfect condition even when buried in waterlogged graves for centuries. This durability made it an ideal choice for grave goods intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife, as evidenced by the elaborate lacquered coffins and daily utensils—such as food-serving implements and toiletry boxes—frequently discovered in high-status tombs.1