Pingyao lacquer ware artists set out on new innovative road

The polished lacquer ware of the city of Pingyao, Shanxi province has undergone some changes in recent years, while sticking to its traditional workmanship, as can be seen in an innovative piece by Qian Dayong, called the “Mirage”, where the master breaks with the realist tradition but keeping the brushwork of traditional Chinese painting, for a magnificent piece.

Pinyao’s lacquer ware has won many awards at exhibitions, such as the 48th National Artwork Trade Expo, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, in 2013, or the 1st Shanxi provincial Lacquer Ware Work Exhibition, and 1st Shanxi Cultural Exhibition, increasing its popularity.

Another example, a jewel case that the Pingyao Henglongtai Lacquer Ware Co created received Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval for use as a State gift. And, the Pingyao Tangdu Polished Lacquerware Co and Xu Jinsheng Workshop have gained provincial recognition as production and protection demonstration bases, while a lacquer ware creation base at the Pingyao Modern Engineering Technology School is one of China’s 100 national folk customs demonstration bases.

Polished lacquer ware is produced by hand through a complex process involving five procedures -- preparing the wood, adding an ash base, then the lacquering, painting, and inlay work – for an appearance that is simple, graceful and durable. Pingyao's products have a graceful, shiny, magnificent exterior, a fine, smooth texture, and are heat and moisture resistant and durable.