Carved lacquer is a traditional form of Chinese art that has existed for at least 1,400 years. If you have a chance to visit the famous ancient culture street in Beijing – called Liulichang – be sure to visit this shop. You will find a number of handmade decorations.

I went there last week. A lot of carved lacquer plates, vases, and jewelry boxes are displayed orderly on the shelves. Most of them feature a black background and a red, elevated pattern. The patterns show birds and flowers, dragons and phoenixes, landscapes, and characters.

The shopkeeper, Mr. Zhu, told me the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties cared for carved lacquer very much. At that time, some royal lacquer ware workshops were set up. Their products were used exclusively by the royal family.

Want to know how a piece of carved lacquer ware is made? Take a carved lacquer plate for example, which has tens or hundreds of layers of paint on a thin plate. When it is half dry, artists engrave various patterns in the thick paint. Once the paint is completely dry, the color will never fade.

I couldn’t help picking up a carved lacquer plate. It features a vivid picture of the Great Wall. I touch the pattern, and it felt very hard. The plate can be mounted on a wooden stand, and be displayed on your shelf.

What I appreciated

Fine carved lacquer ware, excellent craftsmanship

What customers appreciate

Traditional Chinese artwork, good decorations

Should you want to find carved lacquer in Beijing, your best bet would probably be an outlet named Yuanyi.

Beijing carved lacquer originated in the Han Dynasty, and the technique reached its prime during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its making method involves daubing dozens or even over hundred of layers of natural vermilion paint on a piece of article, and engraving patterns upon the hard surface when the paint gets dry. The resulting lacquer is wearproof, looks noble and elegant, and its color never fades.

The shop carries various carved lacquer items made in Guan County, in the Hebei Province. Each small pendant of the 12 symbolic animals associated with the 12-year Chinese year cycle costs RMB 5; prices for bracelets range from RMB 20 to RMB 150; necklaces from RMB 20 to RMB 200; vases from RMB 100 to RMB 3000.

What customers appreciate

Traditional Chinese works of art, exquisite workmanship, reasonable prices.