Craftsmanship treasure of host city
Lacquer has been used in China for more than 8,000 years and Fuzhou has been a production hub for lacquerware since the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
Shen Shao'an, a Fujian native, was one of the most famous lacquerware masters in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). He developed bodiless lacquerware production techniques that made lacquerware colorful, durable and light. Shen's descendants developed his methods and added silver and gold foil to lacquerware to make them more colorful and decorative.
Fuzhou lacquerware is one of three craftsmanship treasures in China, with the other two being Jingdezhen porcelain and Beijing cloisonne. Today, Fuzhou is also recognized as the birthplace of contemporary lacquer art in China, and the art has become an important part of local culture.
Fuzhou's bodiless lacquerware production technique was listed among the country's national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
The lacquerware industry plays an important role in supporting Fuzhou's economy and cultural development. The sector has created thousands of jobs in Fuzhou and contributed 2 billion yuan ($299 million) in annual output value to the local economy.
Fuzhou's lacquerware works were used to decorate the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and also given as government gifts to foreign visitors and dignitaries.
(China Daily 07/19/2016 page24)
