August 10, 2026 · 星期一
Lacquerware
漆器· paint
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyLacquerware highlights the blend of artistic skill and natural resources in traditional Chinese crafts.
立秋 marks the official start of autumn, though the lingering "autumn tiger" heat often hangs on for weeks. Subtle signs appear — a cooler breeze at dawn, the first yellowing leaves, ripening fruit.
People practice 贴秋膘 ("sticking on autumn fat"), eating hearty meats to recover weight lost in summer, and bite into melon (啃秋).
Lacquerware
漆器qī qì
Lacquerware (漆器) is a testament to the profound artistry and craftsmanship in Chinese culture, with origins dating back thousands of years. This art form involves applying dozens of thin coats of lacquer, derived from the sap of the lacquer tree, onto various objects made from wood, bamboo, and sometimes metal. Each layer must be allowed to dry and harden before the next is applied, creating a durable and beautiful surface. The process requires patience and precision, as artisans skilfully carve and polish the layers to reveal intricate designs and a deep, glossy finish[1].
This art is not just about aesthetics; it also serves a practical purpose. Lacquer acts as a protective coating, preserving the material underneath from corrosion and wear. The word 漆 (qī), meaning 'paint', reflects this protective aspect as well as the creative expression it facilitates. Through the ages, lacquerware has been used to create a wide array of items, from everyday utensils to ceremonial objects, each piece telling a story of cultural heritage[2].
The significance of lacquerware extends beyond its visual appeal. It represents an intersection of art, nature, and tradition, embodying the harmonious relationship between humans and their environment. This craft has been passed down through generations, with techniques and styles evolving over time while maintaining its core principles. Today, lacquerware continues to be celebrated and cherished, not only in China but around the world, as a symbol of refined elegance and cultural depth[3].
Lacquerware highlights the blend of artistic skill and natural resources in traditional Chinese crafts.
漆器需要多层漆。
Qīqì xūyào duō céng qī.
Lacquerware requires multiple layers of lacquer.
- [1] 《髹饰录》 (Xiu Shi Lu), a classic text on lacquer techniques.
- [2] 《中国工艺美术史》 (History of Chinese Arts and Crafts) by 王世襄 (Wang Shixiang).
- [3] 《中国漆器》 (Chinese Lacquerware) by 朱家溍 (Zhu Jiaqin).
Jason & Amy on 漆
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Lacquerware — and the word 漆
Jason & Amy on Lacquerware and 漆
New here?
他用漆刷墙。
Tā yòng qī shuā qiáng.
He uses paint to brush the wall.
Shows basic usage of 漆 as 'paint'.
这幅画需要漆。
Zhè fú huà xūyào qī.
This painting needs paint.
Illustrates a more involved use of 漆 in context.
漆器的制作很复杂。
Qīqì de zhìzuò hěn fùzá.
The making of lacquerware is complex.
Integrates 漆器 to show a complex crafting process.
艺术家的灵感在于漆的多样性。
Yìshùjiā de línggǎn zàiyú qī de duōyàng xìng.
An artist's inspiration lies in the diversity of lacquer.
Explores the conceptual richness of 漆 in artistic contexts.
Using '需要' to express necessity
subject + 需要 + verb/noun
This pattern is used to indicate that something is necessary or required.
Use '需要' when talking about needs or requirements.
我需要帮助。
Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù.
I need help.
你需要休息。
Nǐ xūyào xiūxi.
You need rest.
他需要学习。
Tā xūyào xuéxí.
He needs to study.
What does 漆 mean?
How is 漆 pronounced?
How do you write "paint" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
这面墙需要___。(This wall needs ___.)
他在漆墙 — What does this sentence mean?
Which material is often used in traditional Chinese lacquerware?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 漆
漆 is commonly used in painting furniture, walls, and creating lacquerware. It is also used in artistic applications.
漆 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly found in artistic and professional vocabulary.
Focus on the tone; 漆 (qī) has a high level tone, while other similar words may have different tones.
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Today's Mandarin word: 漆 (qī) — paint.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉