Chinese lacquer art boasts a history spanning over 8,000 years, ranking among the world’s oldest traditional handicrafts.

As early as the Neolithic Age, our ancestors discovered the sap of lacquer trees and began coating wooden utensils with raw lacquer for waterproof and anti-corrosion protection. During the Warring States and Han dynasties, lacquer craftsmanship matured rapidly: artisans mastered rhinoceros skin lacquer, shell inlay and gold tracing techniques, turning lacquerware into daily necessities and noble ceremonial treasures traded along the Ancient Silk Road.

The Tang and Song dynasties pushed lacquer aesthetics to new heights. Craftsmen layered dozens of raw lacquer coats, creating fluid, marbled textures with vibrant natural hues. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Fuzhou Daqi (Fuzhou Raw Lacquer) rose to fame, renowned for its multi-layer polishing, crackle texture and glossy luster.

Today, Fuzhou lacquer craft is listed as China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. We inherit this millennia-old skill, handcraft each tea cup, ornament and bracelet with natural raw lacquer, letting the timeless charm of oriental lacquer shine in modern life.