Most people may be familiar with paint, but few have ever heard of lacquer. What is lacquer? Raw lacquer, also known as "earth lacquer" or "big lacquer," is a milky white colloidal liquid extracted from the sap of lacquer trees. When exposed to air, it gradually turns brown and hardens into a tough, protective layer. This natural substance has been used for centuries in China, not only as a coating material but also as an essential component in traditional crafts and even medicine. If you're curious about this unique material, keep reading to learn more about raw lacquer! What is Lacquer? The use of lacquer in Chinese furniture dates back thousands of years. Ancient texts like "Shangshu Yugong" mention "Yanzhou Jugong Painted Silk," while "Shan Hai Jing · Xi Shan Jing" refers to the "shaoshan" tree, known for its high-quality lacquer. These references highlight the long-standing cultural and practical importance of lacquer in ancient China. In fact, lacquered silk was once a prized tribute item, symbolizing both artistry and status. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Nangan raw lacquer was considered a royal treasure, often used as a tribute and exported to Southeast Asian countries. Local records from Guizhou and Dejiang County describe the exceptional quality of this lacquer. A poem from that era praises it: "The raw lacquer is as oily, and the treasure illuminates the human head; shake the tabby color and lift the fishing hook; it is three-point thick into the wood, and the luster will last forever." Raw Lacquer Growing Areas Lacquer trees are mainly found in eastern and central Asia, including Vietnam, North Korea, Japan, and Myanmar. However, China produces the highest quality and largest quantity. The best-growing regions are in southern areas from Gansu to Shandong, where the warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for lacquer tree cultivation. Appearance of Lacquer Trees Lacquer trees are large deciduous trees that can grow up to 20 meters tall. In Beijing’s Tiankeng National Forest Park, there's even a 30-meter-tall specimen. The leaves are oval or egg-shaped, and in early summer, they produce yellow-green flowers. By autumn, the fruit becomes smooth and spherical, with a yellow appearance. Trees can be tapped for their sap starting at eight years old, and some can still be harvested after 40 years. The liquid obtained is called raw lacquer, also known as "national lacquer" or "gold lacquer." When mixed with tung oil and exposed to sunlight, it becomes the finished lacquer used in various applications. How to Harvest Raw Lacquer The best time to harvest lacquer is between April and August, when the quality is at its peak. The optimal period is within three days after tapping, as the heat and sunlight help evaporate moisture, resulting in the highest quality lacquer. Skilled workers use clam shells or bamboo slices to cut the bark and collect the sap in barrels, sealing them with oil paper to prevent contamination. The raw lacquer starts as a gray, milky liquid and changes to a chestnut-like color when exposed to air. After drying, it turns dark brown, forming a strong, durable film. As the saying goes, "White ceresine, red like blood, black like iron"—this describes the transformation of raw lacquer from liquid to solid, with its color deepening over time. In ancient times, it was said, "Every lacquer does not speak color is black," highlighting its deep, rich tones. Today, the term "black" is still used to describe something extremely dark, such as a pitch-black night. Uses of Raw Lacquer Natural lacquer is highly valued for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic appeal. It is widely used in many industries, including: (1) **Corrosion protection**: Raw lacquer is excellent for protecting wood, metal, and other materials from decay, rust, and weathering. It is used on houses, ships, vehicles, and industrial equipment. (2) **Textile industry**: In spinning and printing, lacquer is applied to bobbins and rollers due to its wear resistance, heat tolerance, and low expansion coefficient—making it ideal for high-speed textile production. (3) **Lacquer crafts**: China’s famous lacquerware, such as Fuzhou lacquer, Beijing carved lacquer, and Gongbi lacquer, are world-renowned. These items are not only culturally significant but also highly durable, retaining their color and shine for decades. In addition, dry lacquer has medicinal value. According to the ancient medical text *Compendium of Materia Medica*, it was used to treat serious diseases and promote healing. The Price of Raw Lacquer Prices for raw lacquer vary depending on the type and quality. Some examples include:
- Pure natural raw lacquer (no additives): $75.00
- Self-produced and sold raw lacquer: $260.00
- Transparent varnish raw lacquer: $117.00
- Classic mahogany furniture lacquer: $170.00
- Hand-cut anhydrous lacquer: $285.00
- Shennongjia lacquer: $242.00
- Black lacquer with phenolphthalein resin: $78.00
- Three-pack set of raw lacquer: $260.00
- Yellow standard lacquer: $956.00
Note: Prices may differ by region and supplier. For accurate pricing, contact local dealers. Editor's Summary: Raw lacquer is a versatile and historically significant material with wide-ranging applications. Its natural properties make it ideal for preservation, decoration, and even medicine. With advancements in modern coatings, the demand for raw lacquer continues to grow. Developing its production plays a crucial role in supporting national economic growth and promoting mountainous region economies. What, the decoration still uses his own money? ! The Qi family is decorated in installments, with an ultra-low annual interest rate of 3.55% and a maximum loan of 1 million. Apply now to enjoy the discount. If you are interested in brand cooperation, content collaboration, or advertising on this site, please send an email to: [email protected]. Installation method of curtains for decoration Face Massager Electric Vibrating,Face Lifting Body Facial,Face And Body Massager Foshan Liqia Hardware Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.liqiamei.com
