lacquer tree

plant, Toxicodendron vernicifluum

Also known as: Rhus vernicifera, Rhus verniciflua, Toxicodendron vernicifluum(Show More)

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July 18, 2026

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varnish tree Varnish tree (*Toxicodendron vernicifluum*) with autumn foliage.

The lacquer tree, scientifically known as Toxicodendron vernicifluum, is a plant native to East Asia, particularly China and Korea, and cultivated in Japan. This tree is the source of a milky sap used to create a durable, high-gloss lacquer, a significant element in Asian decorative arts.1234

The sap, when exposed to air, hardens into a tough coating that is resistant to water. This unique property of drying only in a moist atmosphere was historically utilized by artisans in China and Japan to produce finely finished woodenware. It's important to note that the sap contains urushiol, a substance that can cause skin irritation before the lacquer cures.1342

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lacquer
…the Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum, formerly Rhus vernicifera), which, cleaned of impurities, can be used in its natural state. One active constituent of the sap of the lacquer tree is urushiol (from urushi, the Japanese word for lacquer), a substance that can cause contact dermatitis if the lacquer…
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…the Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum, formerly Rhus vernicifera), which, cleaned of impurities, can be used in its natural state. One active constituent of the sap of the lacquer tree is urushiol (from urushi, the Japanese word for lacquer), a substance that can cause contact dermatitis if the lacquer…
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lacquerwork
Obtaining and preparing lacquer
…made from the sap of Rhus vernicifera; subject to the removal of impurities and excess water, it can be used in its natural state, though it was frequently adulterated. The tree, which is indigenous to China and Korea and has certainly been cultivated in Japan at least since the 6th…
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…made from the sap of Rhus vernicifera; subject to the removal of impurities and excess water, it can be used in its natural state, though it was frequently adulterated. The tree, which is indigenous to China and Korea and has certainly been cultivated in Japan at least since the 6th…
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Oriental lacquer
…tree indigenous to China, species Rhus vernicifera, commonly known as the varnish tree (q.v.). The manufacturing process was introduced into Japan and remained secret for centuries. A milklike emulsion secured from the tree is concentrated by evaporation to a viscous liquid. When this is applied as a thin film, it…
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…tree indigenous to China, species Rhus vernicifera, commonly known as the varnish tree (q.v.). The manufacturing process was introduced into Japan and remained secret for centuries. A milklike emulsion secured from the tree is concentrated by evaporation to a viscous liquid. When this is applied as a thin film, it…
Read More