Shanghai Lacquerware

Shanghai Lacquerware

　　　Shanghai inlaid lacquerware comes in three types: bone and stone inlay, jade inlay, and hand-ground mother-of-pearl inlay. Artisans use a variety of naturally colored materials such as ivory, bone plates, Qingtian stone, Shoushan stone, Mongolian stone, mica, clam shells, as well as jadeite, white jade, coral, sandalwood, and gold star stone. Based on the expressions and forms of figures and birds and flowers in the design drafts, they meticulously carve and cut, then assemble and inlay these materials onto various lacquerware items. Gold outlining techniques are further applied to paint the background patterns, enhancing the visual effect. This makes the artwork vibrant in color and rich in three-dimensionality. For example, the bone and stone inlaid wall hanging “Wishing You Longevity” features a cleverly conceived composition with over 20 colors used skillfully to highlight the unique form of the “Old God of Longevity”—the expression on his face, the movement of his hands—all rendered with lifelike detail. The folds of the garments on the God of Longevity and the child are adorned with colorful mother-of-pearl inlay and gold outlining, giving the piece an antique and dignified charm. Carved lacquer involves using a knife as a brush—on polished lacquerware, artisans carve away the lacquer surface according to the designed draft and fill the carved areas with a range of brilliant and elegant colors to create various beautiful images. Shanghai carved lacquer is known for its smooth knife strokes and graceful lines. It excels in intricately carving pavilions, towers, and figures in traditional attire, and is also skilled at accurately replicating famous classical Chinese paintings as well as creating original designs.