Shop For Unique Chinese Lacquer Ware In Beijing
Over 7,000 years ago, before most major inventions of China were created, ancient Chinese people were already making lacquer ware. Because of its desirable qualities, lacquer was widely used to decorate both everyday items and military instruments. When shopping in Beijing, you can discover amazing lacquer products in many of the city’s local shops.
Starting in the Warring States Period, the use of lacquer ware gradually replaced the use of bronze vessels in many areas of China. In the 6th century, Chinese lacquer-making techniques were introduced to Japan. The lacquer ware industry started to flourish. In the Qing dynasty, Chinese lacquer items were exported to Europe in large numbers.
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.
The best qualities of lacquer ware is sometimes referred to as the “four resists.” It resists moisture, heat, acid, and corrosion, the four biggest potential hazards associated with the preservation of any household item. The unique material used to make it and the traditional techniques applied give it these great qualities.
Even though it’s substantial and firm, a lacquer ware is very light. Its strength comes not from the density of the material or the size of its body, but the multiple layers of lacquer painted to make it. Because lacquer ware is strong, its beautiful and smooth surface is not easily damaged. Washing it is also an easy task.
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.
Jiangsu, Fujian, Sichuan, Shanxi, Guizhou, Gansu, Jiangxi, and Shaanxi are all provinces that have their own local styles of lacquer ware. The exquisite mother-of-pearl lacquer ware produced in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, and the elegant and especially durable lacquer ware produced in Fujian province are very famous.
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
7. Gold-filled
8. Lacquer-gold-filled ware
9. Mother-of-pearl ware
10. Carved
11. Rhinoceros-leather ware
12. Carved Multi-color ware
13. Multi-jewel ware
14. Bodiless
When it comes to decorating house, few other art forms can compare to lacquer ware for its mixed sense of beauty, style, and mystery. Put one or two lacquer works in a corner of your room, and you have a special space that shows taste, wisdom, and culture.
Shop for authentic lacquer ware only in shops with well-established reputations. Beware, because there are many fake items and bad imitations in the market nowadays. First-time visitors in Beijing are especially vulnerable to being ripped-off by street vendors and dishonest gift shops. You can find a personal shopper to help you get to the best shops with true lacquer ware items.