Dafang Lacquerware

Dafang Lacquerware

Dafang lacquerware is a protected geographical indication product.

Dafang lacquerware is a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　　Dafang lacquerware originated in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, boasting a history of over 300 years. Initially, only cow and horse hides were used as molds, and after twenty-nine production processes, tobacco boxes were made exclusively for ethnic minority communities. By the early Qing Dynasty, the production gradually expanded to include phoenix coronets, ceremonial robes, hat boxes, court beads for imperial use, as well as women’s items such as flower boxes, butterfly needle tubes, red-thread needle boxes, stationery boxes, and tea bottles. During the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, there were over 500 artisans engaged in the production of Dafang lacquerware.

　　　　The technique shifted from using leather paper molds to cotton and linen cloth molds, and the color palette evolved from the traditional black and red to partial use of pigments. The designs expanded from simple patterns like openwork, shadow flowers, glossy and matte finishes to more intricate techniques such as printed lacquer, silver engraving, gold floral patterns, platform patterns, thin-layered designs, and multicolored rosy patterns. The product range grew to nine major categories with over 400 varieties. Features: Dafang lacquerware is exquisitely crafted, featuring surface designs of gold floral patterns, shadow flowers, dragons, phoenixes, figures, landscapes, and flowers, often accompanied by verses from ancient poets, giving it an elegant and dignified feel. It is also known for preserving color and flavor, resisting moisture and pests, insulating heat, and offering lasting durability.

　　The protected geographical area for Dafang lacquerware includes the entire administrative region of present-day Dafang County, Guizhou Province.

　　　　 Dafang County is known as the “Hometown of Natural Lacquer,” with a history of cultivating lacquer trees spanning over 1,000 years. Dafang raw lacquer is renowned both domestically and internationally for its abundant yield and superior quality. Due to the region's favorable climate and soil conditions for lacquer tree growth, the trees are distributed throughout the county, especially thriving at altitudes of 1,500–1,800 meters, where the lacquer quality is considered the best. Key production areas include Baina, Changshi, Shachang, and Piaojing. Varieties of lacquer trees include Fu Yin Pi, Poplar Pi, Cyclobalanopsis Pi, Pink Pi Da Mu, Dengtai Da Mu, Soybean, Pepper Leaf, Thick Leaf, and Persimmon Leaf.

　　　　Dafang lacquerware is a traditional craft with strong ethnic characteristics and local flair in Guizhou. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was selected as a “tribute” to be presented to the emperor in the capital. As a home decoration item for studies or living rooms, it adds a touch of classic elegance. In folk settings, it serves as everyday ware for storing dried or fresh fruits, preserves, or even dishes. Dafang lacquerware flourished during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, nearly every household in the ancient Dading Prefecture city was skilled in making lacquerware, earning the area the title “Lacquer City.”

　　　　The features of Dafang lacquerware include graceful and lifelike patterns, simple shapes, glossy lacquer surfaces that can reflect shadows, vibrant colors, lasting durability, and distinct ethnic aesthetics. When used as tableware, it does not conduct heat, transfer flavors, leak, attract insects, or degrade due to acid or alkali exposure, nor does it fade easily.

　　　　Dafang lacquerware is known for its solid texture, classic and elegant shapes, shiny lacquer coatings, and lustrous colors. Its decorations combine realistic depictions with bold exaggeration, creating a distinctive regional style. In addition to retaining traditional techniques like hidden patterns, openwork, and matte finishes, modern products have also developed new varieties such as glossy finishes, printed lacquer, platform patterns, gold floral patterns, silver engravings, and multicolor inlaid designs. Dafang lacquerware uses high-quality materials, including molds made from cow and horse hides or cloth, and coatings of premium lacquer. A single piece typically undergoes over forty production steps. The crafting process can be divided into key phases such as forming, lacquering, and decorating. The most complex part is the decoration, which involves over 100 techniques categorized into three types: relief patterns, flat patterns, and recessed patterns. These highly refined crafts showcase the wisdom and creativity of Chinese laborers.

　　　　Another unique feature of Dafang lacquerware is the use of hides from livestock such as cows, horses, and sheep, along with molds made of cotton, linen, silk, satin, or wood. The lacquer is sourced locally and is of high quality, with high levels of urushiol and laccase, providing excellent drying properties, vivid color, moisture resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and high-temperature tolerance.

　　　　Hidden-pattern is a unique technique of Dafang lacquerware. Artisans skillfully embed various patterns between the lacquer and the base, creating subtle and elusive effects—reminiscent of shadows cast quietly in a deep alley or reflections on still water. The decorative lines flow naturally, like drifting clouds or flowing water, establishing a unique style. The color palette has also evolved from the original reddish-brown wood tones to coral hues, enriching the visual appeal.

　　　　The inlaid floral designs of Dafang lacquerware are delicate and refined, understated yet elegant. Without heavy carving or gilding, they are accented with subtle coloring, bringing embedded scenes vividly to life. Designs include green mountains, clear waters, ancient trees, auspicious snow, spring blossoms and autumn fruits, birds and beasts, as well as local customs—all reflecting the natural scenery of Guizhou, capturing the essence of “capturing the spirit with just the right touch.” The multicolor designs are another highlight, featuring bright, eye-catching colors with a strong ethnic character. They break away from the conventional black-and-red color scheme, harmoniously combining vivid red, emerald green, sky blue, light gray, cream white, deep yellow, and purple to create a vibrant and colorful craft.

　　　　Historical records indicate that the production of Dafang lacquerware began during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, over 600 years ago. During the tenure of the Yi ethnic female politician Lady She Xiang as the Pacification Commissioner of Guizhou, many exquisite lacquerware pieces were included among the “local tributes” presented to Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

　　　　By the Qing Dynasty, the craftsmanship of Dafang lacquerware had become even more refined than in the Ming era. The lacquerware of the Daoguang period, particularly those with leather bases and gold tracing, stood out uniquely and were listed in historical records alongside Beijing carved lacquer and Shanxi cloud-pattern lacquer.

　　　　During the Republican era, Dafang had over ten specialized lacquerware workshops, including “Wanshou Palace” and “Yisen Gong.” The artisans possessed exceptional skills, especially in shaping and finishing, and were renowned for precision in form, tight seams, and meticulous craftsmanship. In 1915, at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco, USA, Dafang lacquerware from Guizhou, along with lacquerware from Yangzhou in Jiangsu, won silver medals. It later became known as one of the “Three Treasures of Guizhou,” together with Maotai liquor and Yuping flutes.

　　　　The production of Dafang raw lacquer was very high. In the 28th year of the Republic of China (1939 AD), the output reached 25 tons. After liberation, the government consistently emphasized the development of lacquer production. Particularly during the 1980s, with policy, financial, and technical support, production grew rapidly. By 1987, the county had 26 million mature lacquer-producing trees, with an annual lacquer output exceeding 80 tons—accounting for 20% of the province’s total lacquer production and ranking first among all counties in Guizhou. Nationally, it ranked sixth among major lacquer-producing counties.