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Which colors were most commonly used in early Chinese lacquerwork?
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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.
In early Chinese lacquerwork, the most commonly used colors for painting and decorating were red and black. While these two pigments were the primary choices, green and yellow were also utilized, albeit less frequently.1
Historically, the use of these materials evolved alongside the craft; for instance, early utensils were often made of black lacquer, sometimes featuring red interiors. Over time, the addition of various pigments allowed for more elaborate decorative styles, which became a hallmark of the industry as it developed through the Shang dynasty and subsequent periods.21