Li Ziqi's return: Reviving Chinese ancient lacquer art

After a hiatus of over three years, Li Ziqi, the Chinese influencer renowned for her serene and meticulously crafted videos, has made a triumphant return to the digital world. On Nov 12, she dropped two new videos, igniting a firestorm of excitement across social media platforms. In one of the videos, she introduces a unique form of traditional Chinese craftsmanship—lacquer art—through the creation of an intricately carved wardrobe. The video, titled "Carved Lacquer Hidden Flowers: Carving Out the Purple Aura", quickly became a sensation, amassing millions of views globally. For Li, this return is not just a personal comeback, but a celebration of heritage, culture and the delicate beauty of China's ancient art forms.

Li's return was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, especially with the release of her lacquer art video, which was not just an artistic masterpiece but also a labor of love and cultural preservation. In the video, Li crafts a beautiful carved lacquer closet, a project that took her over eight months to complete. The process was not without its challenges; Li faced severe allergic reactions and moments of failure, even breaking down in frustration. However, her perseverance led to the creation of a stunning piece of art that symbolizes beauty, strength and resilience. The lacquered design she chose for the piece— "Qilin Looking Back" (麒麟回首，萬事不愁) —was a tribute to the mythical Chinese creature and a wish for health and fortune for her grandmother whom she cares for in her rural home.

Lacquer art, or japan (漆藝), is one of China's oldest and most revered traditions, with a history spanning over 8,000 years. Contrary to common Western misconceptions where the term "japan" is associated with the country Japan, China's lacquer culture predates Japan's by centuries. Archaeological finds from the Hemudu culture in Zhejiang Province show that ancient Chinese people were the first to discover and use the sap from lacquer trees, a substance that became integral to the creation of lacquerware.

By the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c.16th century-256 BC), lacquer had become an important material used in everything from furniture and musical instruments to weapons and ceremonial objects. The Chu people during the Spring and Autumn periods (770 – 476 BC) were particularly known for their obsession with lacquer, a time when lacquer art flourished. The craftsmanship reached its peak during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220), where lacquerware was so valued that even the dead were buried with lacquered objects as part of burial rituals. These items were seen as symbols of both status and spiritual transcendence.

The Chinese have long cherished lacquerware for its combination of beauty and function. Lacquerware is light and delicate, catering to the aesthetic needs of the times. The lacquer from the Han Dynasty is particularly famous for its bold use of colors—especially red and black—representing both the vibrancy of life and the wisdom of age.

The lacquer art that Li Ziqi showcases in her video, specifically "Carved Lacquer Hidden Flowers" (雕漆隱花), is a highly refined technique that involves multiple steps and months of work. The intricate process starts with the collection of lacquer sap from trees, which is then filtered and worked into a pliable form. The lacquer is applied in multiple layers, sometimes up to 40 or 50, with each layer requiring meticulous polishing and drying. Li's video takes viewers through this complex process, demonstrating the precision and care needed at every stage. She begins by applying the lacquer to a fabric base, then added intricate patterns using techniques like inlaying mother-of-pearl, carving and polishing. The final design—a majestic "qilin" (麒麟), a mythical creature symbolizing good fortune and protection—symbolizes her good wishes for her grandmother's health.

One of the unique challenges Li faced in this project was her allergic reaction to the lacquer. Many craftspeople practicing this ancient technique have similar symptoms. The sensitivity of the material and the long hours spent applying it can be taxing, yet Li's dedication shines through as she persists through the hardships. Her resilience in overcoming these obstacles speaks to the endurance and passion that traditional artisanship demands, demonstrating Chinese craftsmanship.

Lacquer art, especially the traditional methods showcased in her video, is at risk of fading into obscurity. By bringing it to the attention of millions of people through her platform, Li is not only sharing the beauty of this ancient craft but also raising awareness about the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage. Through the digital platforms, she educates and inspires global audience to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural heritage that is so deeply woven into China's history.

Fang Xiaoya is an undergraduate of English Major at Soochow University. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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