A Testament to Effort and Precision
The adage, "A cup of tea requires the efforts of a hundred people, and a screen requires the efforts of ten thousand people," encapsulates the laborious process of creating lacquerware. Originating from the sap of lacquer trees, this natural substance undergoes a meticulous transformation, combining ancient techniques with the dedication of skilled craftsmen. Each brushstroke contributes to a vibrant tapestry that has endured the test of time.
Even the smallest lacquered object, such as a cup, symbolizes immense effort. As described in the "Salt and Iron Theory" by Huan Kuan of the Western Han Dynasty, lacquer production demanded the labor of hundreds. This painstaking process reflects the hidden struggles behind its shining glory.
The Multifaceted Utility of Lacquer
|
Lacquerware transcends aesthetics. It enhances the longevity of objects, offering durability and vibrancy. Beyond its anti-corrosion and wear-resistant properties, lacquer’s elasticity makes it ideal for musical instruments, amplifying sound resonance. Over time, the lacquer surface develops unique cracks, such as flowing water, plum blossom, or cow hair cracks, each adding character and elegance to the piece. |
Vietnamese lacquer tree - Japanese lacquer tree- Thailand lacquer tree |
This resilience and adaptability stem from the natural origins of lacquer, derived from trees that collect the essence of nature. This organic connection imbues each item with life, creating art that is as timeless as it is functional.
A Flourishing Era: Lacquerware in the Warring States Period
The Warring States period marked the golden age of lacquerware, particularly in the Chu State. Characterized by intricate carvings and vivid paintings, Chu lacquerware reflects the grandeur of its time. With red as the dominant color, these pieces radiate an aristocratic elegance.
One iconic example is the "Travel of Carriages and Horses", where detailed patterns and vibrant pigments create a vivid, three-dimensional effect. The artistry of Chu lacquerware lies in its ability to blend imagination with technical mastery, capturing the cultural spirit of its people.
Han Dynasty: The Pinnacle of Lacquer Culture
The Han Dynasty elevated lacquerware to new heights, blending artistry with practicality. This period emphasized luxury and refinement, as seen in the extravagant burial practices of the time. Lacquerware was not just a utilitarian object; it was a medium for expressing devotion to gods and ancestors, as well as a celebration of life.
Artifacts such as lacquer ear cups from Mawangdui exemplify this grandeur. Adorned with patterns of clouds, dragons, and phoenixes, these items often bore inscriptions like "Jun Xing Jiu" (Drink more wine) to encourage conviviality. The Han people’s passion for drinking and celebration infused their lacquerware with cultural significance and artistic innovation.
Lacquer: A Symbol of Unity and Transformation
Lacquer and glue, inseparable in the production process, symbolize enduring bonds. This union reflects not only the technical aspects of lacquerware but also the societal values of the Han Dynasty. Lacquerware workshops flourished, working tirelessly to meet the demands for elegant and durable pieces, embodying a blend of artistry and practicality.
Unlike the cold, metallic sheen of bronze, lacquerware offered warmth, lightness, and vibrancy. Its evolution marked a shift in artistic expression from three-dimensional sculpting to two-dimensional design, enabling intricate patterns and vivid imagery to come to life.
Legacy Through Time
The life of lacquerware is a dialogue between material and time. Each piece encapsulates the culture, artistry, and innovation of its era. Thousands of years later, these artifacts still radiate the glory of their past, reminding us of the craftsmanship and creativity that brought them to life.
The journey of lacquer culture, from its primitive beginnings to its flourishing under the Han Dynasty, reflects the intersection of tradition, innovation, and enduring beauty. Whether as a functional object or a work of art, lacquerware continues to captivate, preserving its legacy as a testament to human ingenuity and timeless elegance.
The News 25/10/2025
Hemp-lime (hempcrete) is a non-load-bearing covering material consisting of a hemp wood core (hemp shiv/hurd) combined with a lime-based adhesive, outstanding for its insulation – moisture conditioning – indoor environmental durability; in particular, IRC 2024 – Appendix BL has established a normative line applicable to low-rise housing, strengthening the technical-legal feasibility of this biomaterial.
The News 11/10/2025
Amid rapid urbanization and global climate change, architecture is not only construction but also the art of harmonizing people, the environment, and technology. The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC)—the iconic twin towers in Manama, Bahrain—is a vivid testament to this fusion. Completed in 2008, BWTC is not only the tallest building in Bahrain (240 meters) but also the first building in the world to integrate wind turbines into its primary structure, supplying renewable energy to itself [1]. This article explores the BWTC’s structural system and design principles, examining how it overcomes the challenges of a desert environment to become a convincing sustainable model for future cities. Through an academic lens, we will see that BWTC is not merely a building but a declaration of architectural creativity.
The News 04/10/2025
As buildings move toward net zero architecture and glare free daylighting, traditional glass façades reveal limitations: high thermal conductivity (~0.9–1.0 W/m·K), susceptibility to glare, and shattering on impact. In this context, transparent wood (TW) is emerging as a multifunctional bio based material: it offers high light transmission yet strong diffusion (high haze) to prevent glare, lower thermal conductivity than glass, and tough, non shattering failure. Recent reviews in Energy & Buildings (2025) and Cellulose (2023) regard TW as a candidate for next generation windows and skylights in energy efficient buildings. [1]
The News 27/09/2025
Urban flooding is one of the greatest challenges of the modern era, when sudden and unpredictable rainstorms can paralyze entire cities. Few would imagine that over a thousand years ago, people had already discovered a sustainable solution: the Fushougou drainage system in the ancient city of Ganzhou, Jiangxi. Built during the Northern Song dynasty, this project remains effective to this day, protecting the city from floods—even during historic deluges. The story of Fushougou is not only a testament to ancient engineering but also a valuable reference for today’s cities seeking answers to water and flooding problems.
The News 20/09/2025
The construction industry is currently facing immense pressure to reduce carbon emissions, as concrete is not only one of the most widely used materials but also a major source of CO₂ due to its reliance on Portland cement. In response, Shimizu Corporation has conducted extensive research to develop sustainable material solutions aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. One of the most remarkable outcomes is carbon-negative concrete, which partially replaces cement and aggregates with biochar. This biochar is produced from sawdust through a carbonization process and has the unique ability to retain a significant amount of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through natural decomposition or combustion. Thanks to this property, carbon-negative concrete not only maintains the necessary mechanical strength for construction but also directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovation is considered a promising step that opens new directions for the advancement of green construction in Japan and worldwide.
The News 13/09/2025
In the context of rapid urban development, the risk of fire in high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, and smart homes remains a serious threat. Traditional fire protection solutions are predominantly passive, focusing only on preventing flames from spreading and lacking sufficient early-warning capabilities. This limitation often results in delayed responses to fire incidents, leading to severe losses in both human life and property. Addressing this challenge, smart walls with integrated fire sensors have emerged as a breakthrough innovation, offering a proactive approach to building safety. Unlike conventional fire-resistant walls, these advanced walls not only provide thermal insulation and fire resistance but also integrate temperature, smoke, and pressure sensors combined with IoT technologies to continuously monitor environmental conditions. At the first signs of fire, the system can instantly detect anomalies, send alerts to a central control unit or mobile devices, and activate additional safety mechanisms such as water mist suppression or smoke extraction fans. By transforming passive barriers into “intelligent fire guardians,” this technology enhances building protection, increases the chances of timely evacuation, and minimizes potential damages. With its ability to turn ordinary walls into active safety components, smart fire-sensing walls represent a proactive solution that contributes significantly to the development of modern, sustainable, and resilient buildings.
Members
