Lacquer Use in Eastern Zhou

Using lacquer on objects to form a hard, smooth shiny, and protective coating was a major craft for craftsmen in the Ancient Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Lacquer was first developed during Neolithic times, but the Eastern Zhou were the first to use it on other surfaces such as clay, bamboo, bronze, leather, paper and cloth. Objects with lacquer coating were totally waterproof, and were resistant to heat and corrosive acids. In the picture to the right, you see a wooden bowl covered in lacquer that was found in the 1970's from around the time of the Zhou dynasty. Although it's been in use since over 7000 years ago, lacquer is still used on artwork today, and is the main reason why crafts from ancient times are still in our possession today.