Taiwu Gallery Introduces Singapore’s First Hands-On Chinese Lacquer Workshop

This promotional piece highlights Chinese Lacquer Art (Da Qi) — an ancient intangible cultural heritage with over 7,000 years of history. Derived from the natural sap of lacquer trees, it has long been known as the “King of Coatings.” More than just a material, Da Qi embodies a philosophy of harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. From the refined lacquerware of the Warring States period to the artistic masterpieces of the Ming and Song dynasties, Chinese lacquer evolved into a symbol of both elegance and endurance. Today, contemporary artisans are reinventing this heritage through modern expressions such as teaware, art objects, and design installations. Da Qi represents the enduring spirit of Chinese craftsmanship — sustainable, tactile, and profoundly beautiful.

Taiwu Gallery proudly announces the launch of Singapore’s first Six-Day Intensive Lacquer Art Workshop, taking place from 29 November to 4 December 2025. This programme provides a rare opportunity for collectors, designers, craft enthusiasts, and tea-culture aficionados to engage directly with urushi, or Chinese natural lacquer (生漆), a living craft with a history spanning over 7,000 years.

Natural lacquer, derived from the sap of the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), has been called the “King of Coatings” due to its durability, lustrous finish, and versatility. Over millennia, it has been used in ritual objects, furniture, ceramics, and artistic creations, evolving into complex decorative systems cherished across Chinese dynasties. Today, contemporary artisans continue to innovate with lacquer, producing works from fine teaware to modern art installations, preserving its legacy while exploring new aesthetic possibilities.

“Lacquer is a material that records time,” says Wang Sihan, founder of BestCeramics.cn and Taiwu Gallery. “It embodies technique, culture, and history. This workshop allows participants to experience both the craftsmanship and the cultural depth of one of China’s oldest art forms. Bringing such structured training to Singapore for the first time opens new pathways for learning, appreciation, and contemporary creation.”

Programme Highlights:

– Dates: 29 Nov – 4 Dec 2025

– Location: Taiwu Gallery, 254 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058803

– Format: 6-day immersive workshop, small-group format (6 participants)

– Hands-on Outcomes: Participants will complete a gold-accented Kintsugi piece, a lacquer jewellery item, and a lacquer bowl

– Cultural Insight: Integrated instruction on Chinese lacquer history, material science, and contemporary creative possibilities

About Chinese Lacquer / Urushi:

Lacquer (生漆) is among East Asia’s most ancient and respected craft traditions. Archaeological findings show its use in China over 7,000 years ago. Regional techniques — such as Chengdu carved lacquer and Beijing carved lacquer — evolved over centuries, producing vessels, furniture, and ritual items celebrated worldwide. Lacquer art is now recognised as intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the technical skill, aesthetic refinement, and sustainability inherent in the craft.

Why this Matters Now:

Across East Asia, lacquer traditions face generational pressures even as designers, museums, and collectors renew interest in its aesthetic, ecological, and cultural value. Taiwu Gallery’s workshop positions Singapore as a key node for engagement, education, and preservation of this fragile yet resurgent art form.