Carved Lacquer

Last updated 2026-11-08 — Beijing carved lacquer originated in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of over 1,400 years. It was beloved and used by emperors and imperial concubines throughout various dynasties, belonging to the art of the imperial court. After 1949, carved lacquer transitioned from the palace to the public, becoming a national craft for cultural exchange with people around the world. The production of carved lacquer is unique, often using brass as an inner base, along with hollow-core (fabric-covered), wooden, and other types of bases. The surface of the base is coated with natural lacquer. Typically, carved lacquer requires at least 70 layers of coating, while high-end hollow-carved pieces may need over 500 layers, achieving a thickness of about 300 micrometers. Fine carving and engraving are then meticulously done on the lacquered surface. Traditional carved lacquer primarily features red, along with black and yellow hues. Modern carved lacquer mainly uses red and black but has expanded to include green, blue, brown, white, orange-yellow, and other colors. Traditional carving methods were limited to relief and shallow carving, but contemporary artisans have developed round carving, semi-hollow carving, and fully hollow carving techniques. After carving, the piece undergoes dozens of manual processes such as polishing, backing, and baking. Completing a single piece of carved lacquer can take a minimum of three months, and up to one or two years.