The Story
Lacquer (qi 漆) is the refined sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, native to East Asia. Applied in thin coats that cure to a hard, waterproof, lustrous surface, it has been used in China since at least 5000 BC — predating bronze, porcelain, and silk as a prestige material. The Mawangdui lacquer coffins (168 BC) represent the pinnacle of Han Dynasty lacquer, while Song and Ming carved lacquer (diaoqi) achieved sculptural complexity rivaling jade. In 2024–2026, Chinese influencer Li Ziqi's comeback videos — showing her harvesting lacquer sap, building up dozens of coats by hand, and carving traditional designs — went viral globally on Douyin and YouTube, reigniting worldwide interest. China's intangible cultural heritage (ICH) protection program now lists dozens of lacquer traditions, and young artisans are blending traditional techniques with contemporary design.
Artifacts in This Theme
Sculpture
Mawangdui Nested Lacquer Coffins of Lady Dai
Four nested coffins — each more lavishly decorated than the last — that preserved Lady Dai's body for over 2,100 years in near-perfect condition, representing the pinnacle of Han Dynasty lacquer craftsmanship.
Painting
T-Shaped Silk Funeral Banner of Lady Dai
A 2,200-year-old painted silk banner from the tomb of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui) at Mawangdui — the finest surviving example of Han Dynasty painting and a cosmological map of heaven, earth, and the underworld.
Bronze
Changxin Palace Lamp
A gilt-bronze lamp shaped as a kneeling court lady holding a lantern — simultaneously a functional smoke-filtering lamp, a portrait sculpture, and a masterpiece of Han Dynasty engineering and art.
Where to See Them
Hunan Provincial Museum
Hebei Provincial Museum
In Popular Culture
2018 · Huanyu Film / iQiyi
Story of Yanxi Palace
With over 15 billion views on iQiyi alone, Story of Yanxi Palace became the most-Googled TV show worldwide in 2018 — a Qing Dynasty drama praised for its obsessively accurate reproduction of Forbidden City material culture.
4 artifacts →
2024 · Game Science
Black Myth: Wukong
The first AAA action RPG from a Chinese studio, Black Myth: Wukong became the fastest-selling single-player game of 2024 with over 25 million units sold in its first month.
3 artifacts →
Frequently Asked
What is the "Chinese Lacquer Art & Intangible Heritage" theme about?
Chinese lacquerware is the world's oldest continuous craft tradition — 7,000 years of coating, carving, and inlaying tree sap into objects of extraordinary beauty, now trending globally thanks to viral videos and renewed interest in intangible cultural heritage.
Which artifacts are part of "Chinese Lacquer Art & Intangible Heritage"?
This theme groups 3 artifacts, including Mawangdui Nested Lacquer Coffins of Lady Dai, T-Shaped Silk Funeral Banner of Lady Dai, Changxin Palace Lamp. Each entry on this page links to the artifact's full record with provenance, dating, and museum source.
Where can I see the artifacts in this theme in person?
The pieces in this theme are currently held by Hunan Provincial Museum and Hebei Provincial Museum. Some institutions rotate their displays, so we recommend checking the museum's website before visiting.
Is this theme based on academic sources?
Yes — every claim links to a primary or scholarly source, including Wikipedia — Chinese lacquerware, CGTN — China Crafted: Mawangdui lacquer. The full list of references is shown in the sidebar of this page.
Why is "Mawangdui Nested Lacquer Coffins of Lady Dai" considered iconic for this theme?
Four nested coffins — each more lavishly decorated than the last — that preserved Lady Dai's body for over 2,100 years in near-perfect condition, representing the pinnacle of Han Dynasty lacquer craftsmanship.