“All countries have a feel which you sense at once by some emotional osmosis.”
- Martha Gellhorn

Quickly then: Lacquer 101.

The art of lacquering was originally just a sensible means of strengthening and waterproofing items for daily and ceremonial use. Though Chinese in origin, the process eventually crossed China's borders - evolving divergent strains in the skillful hands of southern neighbors.

Basic lacquering involves fashioning a vessel - from coiled or woven bamboo, or carved wood - then lacquering it with the sap of a native tree. A piece's quality and art are judged by the luster and depth of its lacquer as well as by the refinement of ornamentation and the beauty of coloring. A lustrous finish requires many coatings of lacquer and ash, between which a piece must be dried in a dust-free environment and periodically polished.