Sustainability in Art: The Story Behind Lacquer Beads
From Royal Splendor to Artistic Evolution
Daqi (大漆), or natural lacquer, holds a legacy steeped in luxury and refinement. Once reserved for Chinese royalty, its techniques spread during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) to Japan, where they evolved into an art form of extraordinary opulence. By the 16th and 17th centuries, Japanese lacquerware adorned with maki-e entered European markets through trade, becoming a prized export by the 19th century. Collectors like Marie Antoinette, Maria Theresa, and the Jesuits coveted these intricate works for their unparalleled beauty.
Inrō* with Peacocks and Flowers, Koma Yasutada Japanese, 19th century, © Public Domain, MET Open Access. An inrō (印籠, "stamp case") is a traditional Japanese case designed for holding small objects. Suspended from the obi (sash) of a kimono, it combines functionality with exquisite craftsmanship, often adorned with intricate designs and materials.
Origins of Daqi in Ancient China
The history of Daqi in China dates back over 6,000 years to the Neolithic period. A notable example is the vermilion lacquer bowl discovered at the Hemudu site in Zhejiang, dated to around 4000 BCE. Now preserved in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, this artifact demonstrates the early Chinese mastery of using natural lacquer to enhance everyday objects.
The vermilion lacquer bowl, now housed in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, is one of China's protected artifacts prohibited from being exhibited abroad. Unearthed in 1977 at the Hemudu Neolithic site (from 5000 BC to 3000 BC) in Zhejiang, the bowl features an outer surface coated with a layer of vermilion lacquer, much of which has worn away over time. Analysis confirmed the coating to be natural lacquer, providing evidence that the Hemudu people used natural lacquer to decorate everyday utensils during prehistoric times. Photo credit : Siyuwj, CC BY-SA 4.0
By the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the cultivation of lacquer trees became a well-established practice. Ancient texts, such as Zhuangzi (c. 369–286 BCE), document the collection of raw lacquer, a tradition that has harmonized environmental preservation with artisan livelihoods for millennia.
The Craft of Harvesting and Creating Natural Daqi
Known as the "king of coatings," raw lacquer is the sap of the lacquer tree, harvested between April and August when the trees are at their healthiest. The process involves carefully incising the bark to extract the sap while ensuring the sustainability of the trees and providing economic benefits to local artisans.
Lacquer is harvested annually from April to August, when the trees are at their peak health. The process involves cutting the tree's bark with a shell tool, exposing the inner wood layer, and shaping it into a slanted incision. A shell or bamboo piece is placed beneath the cut to guide the sap as it flows out. Over centuries, this harvesting technique has successfully balanced the preservation of lacquer tree resources with the livelihoods of local artisans. It also provides sustainable decorative art pieces that boast exceptional aesthetic and collectible value. Photo credit: sohu.com
Daqi is a purely natural and eco-friendly material. Unlike synthetic paints, it is non-toxic, making it suitable even for food containers. With its warm, subtle luster and unique texture, Daqi enhances diverse materials, turning them into objects of timeless artistic beauty.
The Chinese character for "lacquer" (漆, qi) is a pictograph that symbolizes the sap flowing from an incision made in a tree's bark. Its seal script form, 桼, is an ancient version of the character.
The Enchantment of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay (Luodian)
The art of luodian, or mother-of-pearl inlay, originated during the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BCE). This intricate craft involves embedding iridescent shell pieces into lacquered surfaces to create dazzling designs. By the Edo period (1603–1868), Japanese luodian had captivated European markets, cherished for its elegance and technical brilliance. Today, centuries-old lacquered mother-of-pearl pieces remain luminous, adorning museums and commanding attention in auction houses.
RARE PAIRE DE GRANDS BOLS EN LAQUE ET INCRUSTATIONS DE NACRE DYNASTIE QING, ÉPOQUE KANGXI | 清康熙 黑漆嵌螺鈿蓮紋盌一對 | A rare pair of large mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquer bowls, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period. © 2025, www.sothebys.com
Beaubeaboo’s Artisan Lacquer Beads
At Beaubeaboo, the timeless elegance of Daqi is reimagined in our artisan lacquer bead collection. Crafted with high-quality natural lacquer and adorned with shimmering mother-of-pearl, each bead undergoes a meticulous 120-step process over 180 days. Painted and polished up to 60 times, these beads reveal intricate patterns, vibrant hues, and lasting elegance—a true testament to refined craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
