The Record of Lacquer Decoration

The Treatise on Lacquer Decoration is the only surviving ancient Chinese work devoted to lacquerware craftsmanship. Written during the Ming dynasty by Huang Cheng, a lacquer artisan, the book reflects his profound knowledge of ancient lacquerware, especially its production and techniques. Its wide-ranging contents cover the history of lacquer decoration, raw materials, tools, techniques, varieties, taboos, and errors, making it a classic work on ancient Chinese lacquerware and craftsmanship. The main text focuses closely on lacquer techniques and emphasizes clear, practical information, serving as a handbook for artisans and students as well as a reference for scholars.