Laifeng Lacquered Chopsticks

Laifeng Lacquered Chopsticks

Laifeng lacquered chopsticks are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Laifeng lacquered chopsticks have a history of over 160 years. The product is meticulously crafted from more than 100 raw materials—including the world-renowned Laifeng “Golden Silk Tung Oil” and Lichuan Dam Lacquer—through over 30 processes. These chopsticks combine practicality with collectible value, featuring vibrant colors, an elegant antique charm, high heat resistance, wear resistance, non-toxicity, odorlessness, and functions such as antibacterial and anti-cancer properties, making them a unique gem among ethnic handicrafts.

　　　On May 30, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine issued Announcement No. 65 of 2008, approving the implementation of geographical indication product protection for Laifeng lacquered chopsticks. This marks the second time the county has received national geographical indication product protection, following the Fengtou Ginger product. The announcement clarifies the protected area for Laifeng lacquered chopsticks, which includes the current administrative regions of eight townships in Laifeng County: Xiangfeng Town, Lushui Township, and six others. Starting from the date of the announcement, producers within the protected geographical indication area for Laifeng lacquered chopsticks may apply to the Laifeng County Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau for permission to use the “Special Mark for Geographical Indication Products,” subject to approval and announcement by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

　　The protected geographical indication area for Laifeng lacquered chopsticks is defined according to the scope proposed in the Letter on Defining the Scope of the “Laifeng Lacquered Chopsticks” Geographical Indication Product (Lai Zheng Han [2006] No. 40) issued by the People’s Government of Laifeng County, Hubei Province. It encompasses the current administrative regions of eight townships in Laifeng County, Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province: Xiangfeng Town, Lushui Township, Manshui Township, Baifusi Town, Dahe Town, Jiusi Township, Sanhu Township, and Gelleche Township.