Lacquerware (qiqi)

As a local saying goes, ''All you really need to make authentic traditional lacquerware is sesame oil and one young girl.'' That is, someone with soft and smooth hands.

Polished lacquerware is an indigenous Pingyao craft with a history of more than 1,200 years and involves a lot of oil, a lot of paint and, well, a whole lot of love.

"The manufacturing process is very, very complicated. It involves more than 30 layers to produce a finished piece of lacquerware," says shop assistant Wang Qing of Hongyuantai.

An art show of Chinese lacquerware and the manufacturing process can be seen at the Pingyao Lacquerware Museum, and also Yonglonghao

This box involves the most advanced techniques. Five coats of red paint are used then five coats of black paint. Then another five,Then another five and so on. Altogether, 50 times each. When the craftsman etches the box, he has to get the pattern right first time. It takes years to learn that kind of skill.

漆艺苑

Address: 35 Xi Dajie

Tel: (0354) 568-5168

Hongyuantai Lacquerware Shop 宏源泰漆器经销部

Address: 75 Nan Dajie

Tel: (0354) 568-1166