The history of Lacquerware History has yet to reveal just how long Asia has been defining and redefining the technique in which lacquer and its byproducts are produced. Popularized during the dynasty periods of India and China, and later perfected by the early empires of Korea and Japan, lacquer ware along with celadon can perhaps be considered Asia's most significant contribution to the world in fine art. In fact, each of the Asian countries has contributed in some way to developing and modernizing the technique and popularity of crafting lacquer ware, and today most countries around the world have made their own attempt to reproduce the ancient art. These attempts are however not always successful at least in our experience :-) Amidst the Phu Tho province, located in the heart of Northern Vietnam, there is a tradition of harvesting lacquer, which dates back more than twenty centuries. It is here that the early Vietnamese artisans discovered how to use the juices derived from the Rhus Succedanea Tree, a sumac of South East Asia, and how to convert the oleoresins into a slow drying natural lacquer which can be used to protect delicate paintings and other forms of art. Obtaining the lacquer and crafting lacquerware is a process that requires knowledge, patience, excellent craftsmanship and skill. The final product must be pleasing to the eye and not lack in quality of design, usefulness and durability. A well-crafted lacquer ware product should be able to last as long as the tradition that built it. Production of Lacquerware The traditional lacquer process as practiced in Vietnam is quite complicated and can take up to 115 days to finish one piece. Even a simple bowl takes a minimum of 50 days. Your lacquer product has been through twenty stages in the lacquering process before packing! The raw timber product is examined and any cracks and indentations are sealed with natural lacquer from the native lacquer tree in Phu Tho Province - Vietnam. After checking that the natural lacquer has not affected the intended shape, the product is covered with fine cotton gauze to ensure there will be no cracking at a later stage The natural lacquer is then mixed with finely ground mountain rock, sawdust, and alluvial soil. Using a type of spatula, the product is covered with a thick coating. When the coating has dried the product is placed under water and is polished using a sharpening stone. Using a brush made from natural fibres, a mixture of alluvial soil and natural lacquer is painted onto the product. Step 4 is repeated. Step 5 is repeated. Step 4 is repeated. The product is covered with pure natural lacquer. This is the only stage that involves the use of machinery and even this is only to beat the natural lacquer to form a glutinous mixture. The natural lacquer is beaten for 24 hours. The product is then coated thickly. Once again the product is polished under water with a sharpening stone Step 10 is repeated. Step 11 is repeated. The base design is stenciled and the details are painted by hand. This is why every lacquer product is an original piece. No two pieces are quite alike. The surface without design are painted with lacquer and the areas with design are painted with a special clear lacquer. The whole product is given a second coat of clear lacquer. A third coat of clear lacquer is applied. The product is polished with wax. Hinges and locks are fitted. The logo is silk screened onto the base of the product Your lacquer product has thirteen-sixteen layers, please handle it with care. Most of all enjoy your lacquer product and remember that it has been totally made by hand in Vietnam. There is no other piece exactly the same as yours.
Lacquerware Care Without the convenience of modern chemicals, the early artisans used harvested lacquer syrup as a protective coating to enable their crafts to withstand the forces of nature and time. Beauty combined with durability is one reason that the art of lacquer ware has been practiced for thousands of years. Though the process dates back more than 20 centuries, the traditional style is still often chosen over more modern preservation techniques. Despite the fact that new lacquer is one of the most durable coatings around, it does require care to retain its beauty for many years. By following a few simple precautions, you should be able to enjoy the beauty of your lacquer ware for many years. Although each product is unique, here are a few general instructions to help you get the most use out of your product: Lacquer ware is used on many items which receive heavy ware such as furniture and kitchen ware. To get the most use out of your product, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat. Ultraviolet light and extreme heat will fade the surface of the lacquer ware and allow fine cracks to form. Once light or heat damage has occurred, other deterioration can happen as well, and the beauty and life-span of your product will be reduced. Please do not use any chemicals to clean your lacquerware product. Instead, use a dry or damp cloth to gently wipe it down. This should be done routinely as dirt or moisture may build up if your product is used often. Your Lacquer product is susceptible to damage from very dry conditions or fluctuating humidity. A climate that is between 60% and 70 % humidity is recommended to ensure long life. Enjoy your lacquerware.
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