In the heart of Chengdu, where millennia-old traditions meet cutting-edge innovation, artisans are reimagining ancient lacquerware for contemporary audiences. Once a symbol of imperial luxury, this delicate craft – involving layers of resin from lacquer trees – is finding fresh relevance through collaborations with modern designers and tech-savvy creators.
Workshops across the city now host young artists experimenting with lacquerware’s signature luminous finishes on everything from smartphone cases to minimalist home decor. “We’re not just preserving history – we’re writing its next chapter,” explains master artisan Li Wei, whose studio trains apprentices in both traditional techniques and 3D printing applications.
The revival forms part of broader efforts to protect China’s intangible cultural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities. Cultural economists note growing global interest in heritage-infused designs, particularly among luxury markets and eco-conscious consumers.
