LACQUERWARE HISTORY, MAKING & CARE

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, Lacquerware 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 Lacquerware, and today most countries around the world have made their own attempt to reproduce the ancient art.

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 Succedamea 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 Lacquerwares in a process that requires knowledge, patience, ingenuity and foresight. The final product must be please to the eye and not lack in quality of design, usefulness and durability. A well-crafted Lacquerware product should be able to last as long as the tradition that built it.

Woods used are bamboo, teak, and fruit woods. Each piece is first hand cut to its intended size and shape. The pieces are then kiln dried to retard cracking when used in climates that use central heating and cooling.

Manufacturing methods retain centuries-old techniques. The process is months long for each individually hand-worked article. It includes carving, sanding and then assembly before a three months-long process of repeated coatings of clay and lacquer. This is then followed by detailed hand crafting by painting. Some designs use abalone or egg shell inlays that incorporate many additional steps.

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 Lacquerware 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 Lacquerware 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:

* 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 Lacquerware 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.

* 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. When storing or using your product in a fully air-conditioned environment, it is best to lay your product flat and to place a weight on top.

Lacquerware produced in Vietnam is renowned for the finest handmade designs, both painted and inlaid. Silver, Sword and Stone has the finest Vietnamese artisans to guarantee careful craftsmanship and detail that makes our products uniquely recognized and cherished.

We hope that you find this information helpful in the care of your new Laquerware Art. If you would like a Free Printed copy please feel free to order it here.

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