carved lacquer

Chinese carved lacquer, known as diaoqi, is an art form where lacquer is applied in thick layers, often in multiple colors. After the lacquer hardens, intricate designs are carved into the surface with sharp tools, revealing successive layers of color with remarkable precision. This technique requires meticulous planning, as no errors can be corrected once the carving begins.1

The process involves building up numerous thin layers of lacquer, which is the sap of the lac tree (Rhus vernicifera). This sap, when applied repeatedly, forms a hard and durable coating over materials like wood, bamboo, or cloth. Pigments, commonly red and black, are added to create vibrant colors. The red lacquer, known as tihong, is particularly famous and colored with cinnabar. Other colors include greens, buffs, browns, and purples. This art form developed significantly during the Yuan dynasty and continued through the Ming and Qing dynasties, with pieces often featuring elaborate pictorial designs, floral motifs, or dragons.21