Finding Amazing Chinese Lacquer Ware When Shopping In Beijing
Lacquer ware is one of oldest art forms in China. With a history of over 7,000 years, lacquer has been used to decorate both household items and military instruments. Its excellent qualities that beautify, strengthen, and preserve objects make it one of most popular decorative materials. While in Beijing, shop for some exquisite Chinese lacquer ware in the city’s many handicraft shops.
China already had a thriving lacquer ware industry in the Warring States Period. Chinese lacquer-making techniques were introduced to Japan during the 6th century. All through the Qing dynasty, a huge number of lacquer items were exported to Europe.
The quality of lacquer ware is superb, and it is not unusual to see a lacquer item made hundreds of years ago still retain its original form and beauty. Take a tour to the major museums in Beijing, and you will discover many exquisite lacquer ware products used by ancient Chinese emperors that still retain their great color.
Generally, the great qualities of lacquer ware is its “four resists.” It resists moisture, heat, acid, and corrosion. The special material used to make it and the traditional techniques applied are what give these especially firm items such an amazing quality.
For as substantial and hard as a lacquer ware is, it is incredibly light. Its enduring strength comes not from its density or size, but from the numerous layers of lacquer that are painted on the body. It is also very easy to clean and wash, and its appealing, delicate-looking surface is not easily damaged.
Nowadays China’s lacquer ware industry still prospers. Factories in different cities across the country produce lacquer works in different styles that have local characteristics. Beijing is still a major manufacturer, and the work produced here is famous for its multi-layer design and splendid red color.
The exquisite mother-of-pearl lacquer ware produced in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, the beautiful and especially durable lacquer ware made in Fujian province, and the lacquer ware from Sichuan, Shanxi, Guizhou, Gansu, Jiangxi, and Shaanxi province are all popular products liked by both Chinese art collectors and visitors to China.
There are about 14 major styles of lacquer ware produced in China, they are:
1. Single-color ware
2. Clear-top-coat ware
3. Lacquer-painted ware
4. Gilt ware
5. Lacquer-embossed ware
6. Lacquer-filled ware
7. Gold-filled ware
8. Lacquer-gold-filled ware
9. Mother-of-pearl
10. Carved
11. Rhinoceros-leather
12. Carved Multi-color
13. Multi-jewel
14. Bodiless ware
A well-done piece of lacquer ware is definitely one of the best decorations you can put in your home. The unique carvings, exquisite color, and mixed sense of magnificence, high-class, and mystery that it gives add style, taste, and beauty to your room.
Remember to always buy lacquer ware in shops with good reputations in Beijing. The popularity of lacquer ware has lured some dishonest dealers into selling fake items and bad imitations. If you are not familiar with Beijing, the best way to shop is to get a personal shopper to help you find the right shops and give you background information on the products you want to buy.