Types of laqcuerware
TYPES OF LACQUERWARE
犀皮漆
XIPI LACQUER
Rhinoceros Skin
A perfectly smooth surface defined by intricate, concentric rings—a texture forged by layered time, flowing like rivers across the earth and clouds across the sky.
THE CRAFT
The process begins by applying thick lacquer to form raised, three-dimensional ridges on the vessel. These foundational bumps must then cure in a climate-controlled room for anywhere from several months to a full year. Once finally hardened, up to 40 additional layers of contrasting raw lacquer are meticulously painted over them—with each individual coat requiring weeks of perfect darkness to dry before the next can be applied.
THE REVEAL
Only when the vessel is meticulously hand-sanded flat does the hidden landscape emerge. The resulting continuous lines resemble terraced fields seen from high above—each layer acting as a growth ring of an ancient tree. It possesses a profound depth and gentlemanly restraint, entirely unique to the world.
菠萝漆
BO LUO LACQUER
Pineapple FORM
A striking finish defined by its buried layers. Instead of painting a pattern on the surface, this technique creates complex, multi-colored swirls and rings by sanding through dozens of concealed layers of lacquer.
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THE HEFENGDING craft
The artisan begins by using a natural loofah to "heap" thickened lacquer, creating an uneven base of mounds that must cure for one to two months. once hardened, the artisan alternates between two contrasting colors to build more than ten distinct layers over the peaks and valleys. each individual layer requires 15 to 20 days to fully cure, resulting in a thick, heavily textured coating where the different colors are trapped at various depths.
THE REVEAL
The process begins with a 350-grit coarse sanding to level the mounds, followed by the application of a transparent seal. the artisan then moves through four stages of meticulous fine sanding, ranging from 2000 to 7000 grit. this vigorous refinement slices through the bumps to expose the cross-sections of every hidden layer, resulting in a flawlessly smooth surface where a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic pattern is meticulously polished out from within.
镏金漆
LIU JIN Lacquer
Flowing GOLD
A luxurious finish where precious metals are embedded directly into the lacquer. The result is a deep, high-gloss surface heavily veined with bright gold, resembling the natural fissures found in rare stone.
The Craft
While the base lacquer is still wet, the artisan carefully mixes in fine gold leaf or metallic powder. As the lacquer begins to set, the artisan guides these metallic elements to form natural-looking lines that flow across the curves of the vessel.
THE REVEAL
The piece undergoes a final polish to achieve a flawless, mirror-like gloss. The completed surface offers a stark visual contrast: a smooth, dark lacquer background cut with brilliant, reflective gold veins that catch the light from every angle.