Reviving tradition: Young artisans breathe new life into Fujian's lacquerware
Known as "daqi" in Chinese, raw lacquer is a natural coating harvested from lacquer trees. For centuries, Chinese artisans have refined lacquerware into an exquisite craft, mastering intricate techniques to create pieces of timeless beauty. With dozens of meticulous steps, this art form rewards patience and skill, resulting in a deep, rich luster that exudes understated elegance and solemn temperament – whether in delicate tea sets or grand furniture.
Fujian Province, a long-standing center for lacquerware in China, is now seeing a new generation carry the tradition forward. At a local lacquer art space in the provincial capital Fuzhou, young artisans are blending age-old craftsmanship with modern design, breathing new life into this ancient craft.