What is DaQi 大漆 or Chinese Lacquer?

Have you ever visited China and and experienced street art firsthand with DaQi Tuan fans or folding fans? Or you may have seen related videos on TikTok and YouTube, where street artisans guide visitors through the process of creating their own Chinese lacquer-dyed Tuan fans. Many tourists who experience this art form not only leave with a beautiful souvenir but also with a deeper appreciation for the tradition of DaQi and the hands-on artistry that goes into every piece.

In this blog, we will explore the world of Chinese lacquer, its history, how it’s made, and why it remains so admired today.

What is DaQi?

DaQi (大漆), or "great lacquer," is another term for Chinese lacquer. The process involves natural raw lacquer harvested from the lacquer tree, and mixed with natural mineral pigment powder from China. This combination transforms the lacquer into vibrant colored lacquer pigment. The craftsmen use it to create beautifully polished and durable items. However, through the preservation and innovation of modern craftsmen, it has evolved into a distinctive term for artistic pigment materials.

Chinese lacquer, known as "漆" (qī) in Mandarin, is one of the most ancient and revered forms of traditional craftsmanship in China. Its origins date back over 7,000 years, making it an essential part of the country’s cultural and artistic heritage. Beyond its practical uses, Chinese lacquerware has been appreciated for its elegance, durability, and deep symbolism, representing the merging of nature, artistry, and craftsmanship.

The History of Chinese Lacquer

Chinese lacquerware can be traced back to the Neolithic period. Early artifacts made with lacquer coatings have been unearthed in regions like Zhejiang and Henan, demonstrating the technique's long-standing presence in Chinese culture. During the Shang (1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, lacquerware was not only used for practical items like vessels and furniture but also held great ceremonial significance. Over the centuries, the art form evolved, reaching its peak during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, when lacquerware became a symbol of luxury and artistic excellence.

Imperial workshops in these dynastic periods employed master craftsmen who dedicated their lives to perfecting intricate designs and techniques. Lacquerware produced during this time, especially under the Ming and Qing courts, was highly prized both in China and by international collectors.

What is Lacquer?

Lacquer comes from the sap of the Rhus verniciflua tree, commonly known as the lacquer tree, which is native to East Asia. When harvested, the sap is a milky white liquid that hardens into a glossy, durable coating when exposed to air. The process of collecting and refining the sap is delicate and time-consuming, but the result is a material that is water-resistant, resistant to decay, and capable of being layered into smooth, lustrous finishes.

The beauty of lacquer lies in its adaptability. It can be colored with pigments, particularly red from cinnabar, a color synonymous with Chinese lacquerware. Lacquer can also be carved, inlaid with precious materials like gold, silver, or mother-of-pearl, and layered to create intricate designs.

The Making of Chinese Lacquerware

Creating lacquerware is a labor-intensive and meticulous process. Each piece can take months or even years to complete, depending on the complexity of the design. The basic steps include:

1. Preparing the Base: Lacquer is typically applied to wood, bamboo, or metal bases. These materials are shaped into the desired forms, such as bowls, trays, or boxes.

2. Applying the Lacquer: Multiple layers of lacquer are applied to the base, with each layer requiring time to dry and harden before the next can be added. In many cases, up to 30 layers of lacquer are used, ensuring a smooth, glossy surface.

3. Polishing and Carving: Once the lacquer has dried, the surface is polished to a high sheen. In some cases, artisans carve intricate designs into the lacquer, a technique known as carved lacquer or ti-hong. This method creates a relief effect, with patterns emerging as layers of lacquer are cut away.

4. Inlaying: Another popular technique is inlaying, where artisans embed materials like gold leaf, silver, jade, or mother-of-pearl into the lacquer, creating breathtakingly detailed scenes.

5. Finishing Touches: After the carving or inlaying is completed, the piece is polished once again to give it the final, mirror-like finish that lacquerware is famous for.

Why is Chinese Lacquer So Special?

Chinese lacquer is not just admired for its beauty but also for its symbolism and connection to nature. Lacquer as a material represents transformation—it starts as a liquid sap from a tree and, through craftsmanship, becomes a hardened, polished work of art. This transformation mirrors the journey of the artist, who must practice patience, precision, and creativity to shape the final piece.

The deep red, black, and golden hues commonly seen in Chinese lacquerware also hold cultural significance. Red, for instance, is the color of good fortune and joy in Chinese culture, making red lacquered items popular gifts for weddings or other celebrations.

Additionally, the durability of lacquer reflects the resilience of Chinese craftsmanship. Lacquerware pieces that were created centuries ago remain in museums and private collections today, still retaining their luster and beauty.

Modern Appreciation for Chinese Lacquer

Despite the introduction of new materials and technologies, Chinese lacquer remains a treasured art form. Contemporary artisans continue to uphold traditional techniques while also pushing the boundaries of design, integrating modern aesthetics into their work.

Collectors around the world continue to seek out antique lacquerware, appreciating both the history and the skill that each piece embodies. For those who love handmade crafts, Chinese lacquerware represents an opportunity to own a piece of art that has stood the test of time.

Conclusion

Chinese lacquer is more than just a craft; it’s a living tradition that embodies the values of patience, skill, and connection to nature. Whether in the form of a delicately inlaid box or a large decorative screen, each lacquer piece carries with it the legacy of thousands of years of artistic mastery.

At LanHeal, we believe in celebrating the beauty of such timeless craftsmanship. The allure of Chinese lacquerware is undeniable, and as collectors, we are privileged to witness and preserve this art form. By appreciating handmade crafts like lacquerware, we not only honor the past but also ensure that these traditions continue to heal and inspire future generations.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Discovery

If you haven’t yet explored the world of Chinese lacquer, we encourage you to do so. Each piece has a story to tell—a story of nature, artistry, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of handmade crafts, Chinese lacquer offers something truly special for the soul and the heart.