At the Beijing Gold Lacquerware Art Museum in southeast Beijing, Wan Zi, an inheritor of the ancient technique, works on creations with her two apprentices.

Archaeological findings show that lacquerware techniques, which were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, originated in China 7,000 years ago as a process to protect material such as bamboo, wood and metal. It gives the materials a waterproof coating due to its hard, resinous finish.

It later became a decorative technique. Beijing's gold lacquerware technique originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) as a palace art form. It was popularized among the masses during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

After graduating from high school in 1979, Wan joined Beijing Lacquerware Factory where she learned the highly revered skill.

Over the past decades, Wan has grown into a master. In addition to designing and making new products, Wan is focusing on training crafts people in order to spread this rare art form. Wan said masters of traditional crafts in China should improve and adapt the techniques to the needs of modern society.

(Photos by Wei Yao)

Copyedited by Craig Crowther

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