Affectionately known as one of the “three treasures of Chinese arts and crafts” along with Hu’nan embroidery and Jiangxi Jingdezhen porcelain, Beijing carved lacquer ware is famous throughout the world for its unique techniques and detailed carvings.

Carved lacquer ware was developed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in the South of China. It originated from the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan where it gained wide spread attention during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) with many craftsmen choosing carved lacquer ware as their specialized trade.

It wasn’t until the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) that carved lacquer ware was introduced to Beijing. Many skilled craftsmen specializing in carved lacquer ware migrated to Beijing when it was proclaimed the capital of China.

Their skills developed within the capital and Beijing carved lacquer ware became a treasured style of the popular craft. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the first carved lacquer ware workshop was opened in Beijing.

Known as “The Orchard Factory”, its main role was to create furniture for the imperial palaces within Beijing. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), an imperial workshop was established to keep up with the demand of furniture needed for the Forbidden City.

In 1904, the first commercial workshop specializing in Beijing carved lacquer ware was established by Xiao Le’an and Li Maolong. It was known as “Ji Gu Zhai” which symbolizes the inherent legacies of ancient carved lacquer ware workshops.

The production of Beijing carved lacquer ware began to decrease at the end of Qing Dynasty with a shortage of skilled craftsmen threatening the continuation of the unique craft. It was neglected for many years until the formation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

The Beijing government organized a Beijing carved lacquer factory to be opened by the heirs of Xiao Le’an and Li Maolong who were also skilled craftsmen. This factory continues to produce high quality lacquer ware in all its magnificent forms.