Chinese Cinnabar Laquered Plate

1970’s/China

Carved lacquerware, frequently referred to in the West as cinnabar lacquer, represents one of the most technically demanding and time-consuming arts in China. The process involves applying dozens or even hundreds of thin layers of tinted natural lacquer over a wooden or metal base, allowing each layer to cure before the next is added. Once a thick enough coating is built up, artisans carve intricate landscapes, figures, and motifs directly into the hardened layers while the material remains slightly pliable.

Historically centered in workshops around Beijing and Suzhou, this traditional craft reached remarkable heights during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the twentieth century, production shifted toward both high-end artisan guilds and more commercial export wares designed to commemorate famous national landmarks like the Great Wall. These mid-century decorative pieces successfully translated ancient carving techniques into accessible keepsakes for international collectors and tourists.