Why is it priced so much higher than ordinary lacquerware or woodware?
Each piece passes through the same handful of steps — applying lacquer, then curing — over and over again, sometimes dozens of times. Every layer must dry naturally in a room with carefully controlled temperature and humidity; nothing can be rushed or forced by machine. Depending on the technique, a single piece can take anywhere from six months to two or three years from start to finish. The price reflects that time — not markup.
How long do custom orders take?
Many of our pieces begin from a base that's already underway — the wood body may already carry its initial lacquer-and-ash foundation (披麻挂灰), or, for Liujin pieces, its first ten layers of base lacquer. When we can start from one of these prepared bases, custom turnaround is often considerably shorter than building a piece entirely from scratch. A piece started completely from zero takes a minimum of six months; our Xipi Chong Series typically takes 2–3 years, and the Yi Series around a year. Reach out to us with what you have in mind, and we'll give you a realistic timeline based on where that specific piece would start from.
What is Xipi (rhinoceros-skin lacquer)?
Xipi begins with raised texture built onto the wood body, left to dry completely — on its own schedule, never rushed. Lacquer is then applied over it, layer after layer. Once fully cured, each layer is ground away by hand, little by little, until the pattern hidden beneath finally shows itself — natural and deep, layered and three-dimensional. Our Chong Series builds the groundwork high, so the pattern rises and falls like terraced fields; our Yi Series builds it low, letting the pattern move more freely — closer to losing yourself in the night sky. See the full craft story →
What is Liujin (flowing gold)?
After ten layers of lacquer have been built up on the surface, gold lacquer is applied in a technique meant to fall like rain. Because it is raw lacquer, each drop bursts open on contact, spreading outward the way raindrops ripple across a still lake. The result feels spontaneous and alive — though every ripple is the product of a practiced, deliberate hand. See the full craft story →
Why do you emphasize "raw lacquer" — how is it different from ordinary lacquer?
Every piece — regardless of technique — ends with the same final step, done entirely by hand: kaiqing tuiguang, the final polish. This step only works with raw, natural lacquer. Synthetic or chemical lacquer can be sprayed and sealed, but it cannot be hand-polished into the same depth of luster — and it will never develop patina with use. Raw lacquer does. The more a piece is touched and used, the richer its surface becomes over time.
Can these pieces be used for tea or food?
Yes. Every piece is made with 100% raw, natural lacquer — the same Urushi lacquer that has been used for tea ware and dining vessels for centuries. Once fully cured, it is safe for contact with food and drink.
How do I care for my lacquerware?
Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, dishwashers, and prolonged soaking. With proper care, lacquerware can last for generations.
How long does shipping take? Where do you ship to?
Orders ship within 2 business days within the United States. For international orders, see the question below.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within the United States. International shipping — including to Europe — is something we're actively working to offer, as it requires extra care in packaging and insuring pieces of this value for long-distance transit. If you're outside the US and interested in a piece, reach out to us directly and we'll see what we can arrange.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Ready-made pieces may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility. Custom and personalized orders — such as a custom flag or any special request — are final sale and cannot be returned. Before these pieces are shipped, we send photos for your review and approval, so you'll always see the finished piece before it leaves our hands.
Why are some products marked "sold out" or shown in very limited quantity?
Because each piece is handmade in limited quantity — we do not mass-produce. When a piece sells out, it may not return in the same form again.