Together with jade ware, carved ivory, and cloisonne, lacquer rounds out "the great four traditional handicrafts" in China. Originated 1,500 years ago, lacquer was used to coat artwork or furniture, on which artists then carve layers of attractive patterns.

On my visit to Baigongfang Handicraft Museum in Beijing, I found this Beijing Carved Lacquer Ware Shop on the second floor.

Half of their articles are red-colored carved lacquer plates mounted upon a small, black wooden bracket separately. The delicate designs include the Great Wall and Dragon & Phoenix.

You can see other carved lacquer items, like red-colored peony-covered caskets and small elephant or unicorn-shaped sculptures. But what impressed me most was a wooden pair of lions. Each of them squats on a stone pedestal, with mouth widely open. They are so vividly carved that I felt they would just jump down the stone and chase me. The twin lions are priced at RMB 460.

What I appreciated

Elaborately carved lacquer ware

What customers appreciate

Traditional Chinese handicraft, fine workmanship