Lacquer

Naturally formed lacquer is the resin-like clear sap from lacquer trees that dries to form a hard protective coating to varnish wood or other materials. In Asian art lacquerware refers to a range of decorative techniques used to coat wood, bamboo, metal or other surfaces with a hard resinous finish. Originating in Neolithic times, lacquering originally was used as a waterproof protection that over time evolved into a highly prized method of decorating fine objects. Skillful artisans use a long and labor-intensive process involving hand applied application of multiple layers of lacquer to the core object. China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Thailand and India have been sources of prized decorative containers, vessels, tableware, precious items and ritual objects and larger items such as furniture.