Two Lacquer Ancient Arts, One Masterpiece

Meet Master Chen Cong

Master Chen Cong is a guardian of traditional Chinese artistry. For over twenty years, he has dedicated his life to preserving and perfecting two exquisite crafts: Pingqi polished lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay. Trained by elders in his hometown of Pingyao—a place famous for its lacquerware heritage—Master Chen combines patience, skill, and deep cultural respect in every piece he creates.

His work is more than a job; it is a mission. He aims to share these beautiful traditions with the world and to keep them alive for the next generation.

The First Art: Pingqi Polished Lacquer (平漆推光)

The process begins with a simple wooden frame. Master Chen selects fine-grained wood such as poplar or birch.

Next, natural lacquer is applied. This lacquer comes from the sap of lacquer trees. It is filtered and carefully layered onto the wood.

Each layer must dry completely. This takes time and requires a humid, controlled environment.

Then comes the polishing. This step is called “推光” (tuī guāng).

Using only his bare hand, Master Chen dips his palm in a mix of fine ash and sesame oil. He rubs the surface in slow, firm circles.

He repeats this process many times over several days. The friction and warmth from his hand gradually transform the lacquer. It becomes incredibly smooth. It develops a deep, mirror-like shine.

This takes great patience. But the result is a luminous glow that machines cannot replicate.

The Second Art: Mother-of-Pearl Inlay(螺钿)

Now comes the decoration. This is known as “螺钿” (luó diàn), or mother-of-pearl inlay.

Master Chen uses pieces of natural shell from mussels and abalone. These shells shine with soft, iridescent colors.

He cuts and shapes the shell into tiny designs. These might be flowers, leaves, or other delicate patterns.

Each small piece is placed by hand onto the lacquer surface. He presses them gently into the lacquer before it fully hardens.

When light touches the finished box, the shell glows. It shimmers against the dark, glossy background. The effect is magical and elegant.

A Box Steeped in History and Meaning

This type of jewelry box is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. For centuries, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, finely made lacquer boxes were an essential part of a bride’s dowry in well-off families. They were not just containers for valuables—they symbolized blessings, prosperity, and the family’s status and taste. A box like this was often passed down from mother to daughter, carrying with it stories and emotions across generations.

Today, Master Chen Cong’s work continues this tradition. His jewelry boxes appeal to those who appreciate art, history, and meaning. They are perfect for:

•Collectors of fine handicrafts and cultural artifacts

•Brides seeking a meaningful and elegant heirloom for their wedding

•Lovers of Chinese culture who value depth and storytelling in design

•Anyone looking for a special gift that carries beauty and legacy

Owning one of these boxes is like holding a piece of living history. It connects you to the soul of Chinese artistry—an art of patience, brilliance, and love.