Guarding lacquerware's lustrous legacy

Major museums, such as the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States, and the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in France, have acquired Gan's pieces for their permanent collections, with a Dutch museum currently in acquisition talks, says Gan, recalling with joy how a French artist inspired by the rhinoceros leather lacquer patterns attempted to re-create the technique.

"When artwork achieves true beauty, it transcends borders — its allure takes flight, reaching audiences worldwide," he adds.

While leading a team of 18, Gan also teaches at prominent institutions like the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Tsinghua University and Tongji University, mentoring and introducing lacquerware art to young people as a visiting researcher and graduate adviser.

Many enthusiasts also visit his workshop to observe and learn firsthand where Gan shares insights and encourages innovation in contemporary applications like home decor and cultural creations to help proliferate lacquer crafts.

For Gan, lacquerware represents more than artistry — it embodies Chinese civilization's brilliance. Through its restoration and reinvigoration, he aims to amplify the resounding voice and vision of Chinese aesthetics to the world.

"Our predecessors achieved remarkable feats. Today, we aim higher. By carrying forth this heritage perfected over thousands of years, each generation can elevate it further, creating an eternal testament to Chinese cultural civilization's evolving glory," he says.

He Qi contributed to this story.