Hong Yidong 洪乙棟 was born in Shanxi, China, in 1983. Graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, he obtained his Master’s Degree in mural painting and lacquer painting in 2009. Hong’s artistic practices consist of painting, sculpture and Qishan 漆繕. He is well versed in different lacquer art techniques such as the Xipi, Maki-e, inlays of shells and eggshell from traditional application to reinvention.
"Xipi" is one of the decoration techniques in Chinese art of lacquer, literally 'rhinoceros skin'. The patterns are created through a thick layer of lacquer which is manipulated into an uneven surface. Thin layers of multi-coloured layer will then be applied to the surface. After repeating polishing, the desired fluid patterns will be revealed.
The lacquer sheath can as well withstand acid, alkali, alcohol and high temperatures.
Lacquer Bamboo Xipi Tea Leaf Spoon
Lacquer craft in China has a long history. The oldest lacquerware discovered dates back to the Warring States period (403-221 B.C.). the craft has been transferred to Japan, Korea, and other parts of Southeast Asia.The value of a piece of lacquerware only begins with the materials used to make it. A high quality piece of lacquerware requires the skills of several different elements: lacquer, layers, core materials, decoration, colours, design and process.
