Traditional art form pursues modern luster
Regarded as one of “the three specialties of Guizhou” along with the bamboo flute and the province’s signature white wine, Dafang lacquerware is known the world over for its delicacy and beauty.
The history of the art form can be traced back more than 600 years to when a sophisticated process was developed during Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Each piece of lacquerware needs to go through some 50 processes and 80 decorative finishes, such as engraving and gilding, and laying on lacquer of a different color.
Lacquerware is often molded on a base of horse or buffalo hide, shaped after being soaked in water before being dried over a fire. The process is not only timeconsuming but requires great skill. Only masters with years of experience are up to the task.
Dafang County may be home to one of China’s five most highly regarded styles of lacquer, but there has been a drop in output in recent years.
“Lack of funds and a resultant decline in profit are the major reasons,” says Zhang Yu, of the county bureau of industrial economy and energy.
“But the sophisticated craftsmanship involved in making Dafang lacquerware is incomparable.”
“We are working to increase investment and seeking cooperations to ensure the art form’s survival,” he adds.
Che Dan, director of the Dafang office of cultural industry, says, “Traditional skills and concepts need to seek new opportunities like combining lacquerware with modern furniture.
“There is also potential to expand consumption in through tourism.”