What is lacquer?

AsiaEast AsiaChinaAncient ChinaAncient HistoryAll VideosABCs of Art History
Written By AQ

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

Lacquer

In this video, we dive into East Asian lacquer, featuring a gorgeous red-and-black lacquer plate dated to the 3rd century BCE. Learn what lacquer is, where it comes from, how a lacquer object is made, and about its unique qualities.

Lacquer bowl, 3rd century BCE, Seattle Asian Art Museum. Photo: © Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank.

Video chapters

0:00 What is lacquer?

0:28 Seattle Asian Art Museum lacquer plate

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