NEW ARTISAN PARTNER · CHENGDU, CHINA

Chengdu lacquerware, shaped by time.

成都漆器

Natural lacquer is applied, rested, polished and decorated through a slow sequence of handwork. ImArtisan’s newest partner brings this living Chengdu tradition into objects for tea, adornment and the home.

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Chengdu lacquer wall artwork featuring two pandas among bamboo — SELECTED OBJECT · PANDA WALL ART

A LIVING TRADITION

FROM ANCIENT CHENGDU TO THE PRESENT

A surface made slowly—and made to endure

Chengdu lacquerware has roots reaching back more than three millennia. The Chengdu Lacquerware Craft Factory was established in 1954 to carry the regional practice forward; the craft was included in China’s first national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006 and the first national traditional craft revitalisation catalogue in 2018.

Its character comes from patient accumulation. A formed body is strengthened and sealed, then covered with successive layers of lacquer, ground and polished between stages. Decoration is not a final print—it is part of the surface itself.

3,000+ years

Roots in the lacquer traditions of the ancient Chengdu region

1954

The Chengdu Lacquerware Craft Factory was established

2006

Included in China's first national intangible cultural heritage list

7–8 years

Time a lacquer tree grows before it can first be tapped

FROM TREE TO SURFACE

Most of the work happens between layers.

A lacquer tree grows for seven to eight years before its first harvest. Sap is traditionally collected only during a short summer season, then refined before the cycle of forming, coating, drying, sanding and decorating begins.

“Three parts lacquer, seven parts sanding.”

Artisan shaping the body of a lacquerware object on a lathe — **Form**
The body is shaped and prepared before the surface work begins.

Red lacquer being filtered through cloth in a workshop — **Prepare**
Natural lacquer is refined and filtered for an even working consistency.

Hands carving a detailed pattern into a red lacquer surface — **Carve**
Incised lines bring rhythm and definition to the built-up surface.

Artisan hand-painting a detailed red lacquer panel — **Decorate**
Colour and ornament are applied by hand, one deliberate passage at a time.

THE PARTNER EDIT · 成都漆器

Objects for daily ritual, wearing and display

A first look at the partner’s range. Individual availability and detailed specifications are confirmed directly with ImArtisan.

Tea ware

茶器 · DAILY RITUAL

Textured Chengdu lacquer teapot — TEXTURED LACQUER TEAPOT

Pair of red and black Chengdu lacquer cups decorated with orchids — ORCHID CUP PAIR · RED AND BLACK LACQUER

Vivid red lacquer tea cup held against blue sky — RED LACQUER CUP

Dark patterned lacquer cup held in hand — PATTERNED LACQUER CUP

Adornment

佩饰 · WEARABLE OBJECTS

Red Chengdu lacquer bangle — RED LACQUER BANGLE

Two lacquer pendant necklaces — LACQUER PENDANT NECKLACES

Red drop-shaped lacquer pendant necklace — RED DROP PENDANT

For the home

陈设 · OBJECTS WITH PRESENCE

Panda and bamboo wall artwork in black, ochre and green lacquer — PANDA WALL ART · CHENGDU MOTIF

Black lacquer object with a maple-leaf detail and patterned textile top — BLACK LACQUER OBJECT · MAPLE DETAIL

MEET THE NEW PARTNER

Made in Chengdu.
Introduced with context.

ImArtisan will introduce this collection gradually as each object, material and making process is documented. For current pieces, sourcing enquiries or collaboration, speak with us directly.

Contact ImArtisan