《我眼中的北京非遗》系列节目第二期丨留学生体验带有浓厚“京味儿”的金漆镶嵌

China was the first country to discover lacquer and produce lacquerware, with Beijing historically serving as a significant production hub. Golden lacquer inlay, a prominent category within traditional Chinese lacquerware, has evolved over centuries, integrating three unique techniques from the “Eight Wonders of Yanjing”: carved lacquer, filigree inlay, and jade carving. This art form embodies the essence of "Beijing flavor". In 2008, it was listed as a representative project of the Representative List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Beijing's gold lacquer inlay directly inherits and develops the imperial artistry of the Ming and Qing dynasties, encompassing its teaching system, craftsmanship, and tartistic styles. It embodies a royal style of simplicity, elegance, dignity, magnificence and diversity. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, this craft, once exclusive to the court, was passed down to the common people. The Beijing style stands out in the diverse world of Chinese lacquerware.

Golden lacquer inlay is an art of adding icing on the cake, or even adding flowers to an already blossoming garden. The "gold" refers to the gold used in the production process, including flakes, foil, and powder. "Lacquer" denotes the traditional natural lacquer. "Inlay" involves carving various natural gemstones, bones, and horns into patterns like figures, flora, fauna, landscapes, and architectures, which are then inlaid onto the lacquer base. In short, gold lacquer inlay is the process of applying various inlay techniques on top of "gold lacquer", resulting in exquisitely ornate and luxurious lacquerware with a distinct imperial aesthetic.

Hu Xin, the fifth generation inheritor from the Qing Palace’s Construction Office and a distinguished master of arts and crafts in Beijing, studied under Master Hu Xiheng. She has devoted nearly five decades to the design and creation of golden lacquer inlay. Master Hu Xin has been committed to combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, transferring ancient Chinese paintings from silk to screens, thereby driving the innovation and development of golden lacquer inlay.

The characters and landscapes are vivid. The exhibits decorated with golden lacquer were intricate and exquisite, shining brightly, highlighting the solemnity and splendor of ancient civiliazation. Angelina, a Kazakhstani student from Beijing International Studies University, was amazed by the exhibits at the Golden Lacquer Inlay Art Museum. She visited Master Hu Xin with reverence and could help but inquire, "How do you create such exquisite and intricate patterns?”

At the master's studio, Angelina had the opportunity to learn from Master Hu Xin firsthand. From the most basic color mixing to pattern drawing, Angelina observed and experienced the gold lacquer inlay and gold painting technique. She found that even mixing a simple pink required numerous attempts and adjustments. With Master Hu Xin’s meticulous guidance, Angelina finally crafted her own unique piece of golden lacquer inlay.

Master Hu Xin believes, "Without cultural accumulation, it is impossible to design meaningful works." Her requirement for herself is to ensure visitors appreciate the depth of her creations. Her unique style doesn't blindly follow tradition but aims to "inherit the ultimate knowledge from the past." Restoring, inheriting, and developing traditional crafts is urgent for their preservation. We still have a lot of work to do, and we need to seize the time and invest our efforts to save our own heritage. To this end, Master Hu Xin and the Golden Lacquer Inlay Museum actively promote the "Five Ins" policy -- entering schools, communities, commercial districts, enterprises, and parks. They strive for integration between education and industry, enabling sustainable growth for golden lacquer inlay and raising awareness about this ancient craft.

Master Hu Xin hopes that the golden lacquer inlay industry will thrive and gain recognition. She also hopes that more young people love this skill and pass on this excellent technique. For young people who are interested in dedicating themselves to the inheritance and innovation of gold lacquer inlay, she encourages them to look ahead, stay down-to-earth, learn from experience, constantly improve their knowledge, broaden their horizons, hone their skills, innovate, and adhere to their original aspirations and missions. She emphasizes the pursuit of excellence in both skill and craftsmanship.

Master Hu Xin said:" The longevity of golden lacquer inlay as an ancient craft lies largely in the craftsmanship of its inheritors, and its 8,000-year history is its unique charm. This art deserves deeper exploration, and we will create masterpieces that reflect the spirit of the times, taking golden lacquer inlay to new heights."