Lacquer-line carving, or qi xian diao, is a delicate craft that originated as a method to decorate Buddhist statues in ancient China. Artisans mix lacquer, tung oil, and brick powder into a paste, then roll it into thin threads. These threads are applied to surfaces and carved into intricate designs, often enhanced with inlays and colors. Each piece of lacquer-line carving requires patience and precision, resulting in stunning, delicate patterns that seem to float on the surface.
In the last century, craftsmen in Xiamen adapted this technique to create everyday decorative pieces such as plates and ornaments. Beyond its artistry, lacquer-line carving represents how cultural heritage can be both preserved and reinvented in daily life.
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Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Videographer | Pan Jiajun, Liang Zijian
Video Editor | Pan Jiajun
Editor | Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
