Chengdu lacquerware integrates artistry and practicability with gorgeous and exquisite appearance. It was enlisted in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006. Chengdu lacquerware requires about one hundred processes including lacquer kneading, lacquer painting, decoration and polishing.

 

Yin Liping, a national representative inheritor of Chengdu lacquerware art, has been engaged in lacquerware craft design and production for over 45 years. In 1975, Yin entered Chengdu lacquerware factory, and was fascinated by the beauty of lacquer art the first time she got in touch with it.

 

Under the guidance of Chen Chunhe, a renowned master of lacquer art and other experienced artists, Yin, with excellent traditional Chinese painting skills, has made rapid progress. In the late 1980s, she began to serve as director of the design department of the factory.

 

In recent years, Yin has continuously explored and innovated on the basis of inheriting the tradition. Her works have won many provincial and national arts and crafts awards.

 

While continuing her study on lacquer art, Yin also focused on training the next generation of Chengdu lacquer art inheritors. To her delight, in recent years, many young people majoring in design and painting have acknowledged Yin as their teacher.

 

"Young people have brought their understanding of fashion to the lacquer art. I hope they can make better artworks than our generation," Yin said.

 

Yin Liping carves on a lacquerware.

(Photo by Liu Kun)

 

Yin Liping paints a lacquerware design drawing.

(Photo by Xu Bingjie)

 

Yin Liping (L) studies lacquerware patterns with her apprentice in Chengdu.

(Photo by Liu Kun)