Qing lacquer wares return to homeland

: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail chinadaily.com.cn, March 23, 2021

A mahjong set in dragon texture from the late Qing Dynasty were showcased in an exhibit on Wednesday in Fuzhou, Fujian province. [Photo by Yang Jie/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A mahjong set in dragon texture from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), along with more than 300 other examples of Chinese lacquer wares — all of which had been exported overseas between 1840 and 1949 —were showcased in an exhibit on Wednesday in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

Dragon textures are common in a variety of Qing works. A lamp that represented bridging the East and the West at the time is included in the exhibit. The bottom of the lamp is decorated with a dragon motif, while the top part with a bulb is in typical old European style.

The lamp was made using a bodiless lacquer technique. Fuzhou's bodiless lacquer wares, along with Beijing Cloisonne and Jingdezhen porcelain, are sometimes called the three treasures of traditional Chinese crafts.

Other displayed lacquer pieces include a coffee set, a cigarette case with dragon motif and a tea box.

After the 10th century, lacquers became an important export of China, thanks to the development of maritime trade and communication between East and the West. As Chinese lacquer ware applied more modern designs, it swiftly gained popularity in Europe with its charming appearance and functionality.