The Art of Tihong

A tihong cup and stand, showcasing the sophisticated lacquer craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), will go on display at an exhibition in Hong Kong in late October. The exterior features an exquisite composition of phoenixes and lotus motifs, while the interior bears inscriptions by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), one of the cup's owners.

It was a craft that demanded immense patience and delicate skill. Craftsmen applied cinnabar-colored raw lacquer — usually in dozens of layers, and sometimes as many as 200 — to wooden or metal objects. Once the accumulated layers had partially dried, they would carve intricate patterns into the surface. Known as tihong ware, these finely crafted objects were once used to decorate the living spaces of the ruling elite. Today, they are prized by seasoned collectors.