On July 26, Yuan Duanjiao discussed Chinese lacquer coating techniques with her father. In a photo report, Xinhua documented the continuation of this craft in the hands of a new generation.
Key points of the report
- Her father, Yuan Huizhi, has been engaged in raw lacquer production and sales since she was young, and the history and culture of lacquer have surrounded her since childhood;
- After graduating from Xi'an Jiaotong University in 2016, she resolutely returned to her hometown, Longtou Village in Chengguan Town, to specialize in lacquering techniques;
- Collecting raw lacquer is arduous — 'a hundred li and a thousand cuts for one jin of lacquer'; refining raw lacquer requires dozens of steps, including coarse sanding, applying a primer coat, filling with putty and wet sanding;
- Built lacquer tree bases and founded a company, using an 'enterprise + cooperative + farmer household' model to drive joint development among lacquer farmers;
- In 2020, the 'Niuwang Raw Lacquer Painting Technique' was recognized as a Shaanxi provincial intangible cultural heritage item, after which a personal workstation was established.
Direct quotes
'I will continue to study lacquer art, strengthen inheritance and innovation, and combine traditional skills with the new era. I will do all I can to pass this craft on, and turn what belongs to our nation into something that belongs to the world.'