Handmade Chinese Lacquerware Gifts

Whenever I need to find a gift, I ask myself the same question: what will they keep using, and keep, for years to come?

My family makes lacquerware, so my answer may be a little biased. But lacquerware has something truly special about it: it grows slowly, over time. Every piece travels back and forth between the lacquer workshop and the curing room for months, sometimes years. Whether it's flowing gold or rhino skin lacquer, every pattern carries the mark of nature, and no two pieces are ever the same. The one you give is the only one of its kind in the world, just like the thought behind it.

Here are the pieces we recommend, all made by hand by my family in our workshop in Xianyou, Fujian.

Five styles of rhino skin lacquer mugs, each carved from a single piece of wood and finished by hand.

For Anyone Who Loves to Eat: Lacquer Chopsticks

For anyone who loves Chinese food or eats with chopsticks every day, chopsticks are something you reach for at every meal. A good pair of lacquer chopsticks, cared for well, will keep you company for years. We make three kinds:

Flowing gold lacquer (Liu Jin, 流金) chopsticks, $79.99: Gold-toned powder falls across a black surface like raindrops, and every pair has its own pattern. Some days are good and some aren't, but we eat every day either way, and a pair chosen just for you by someone who cares can make even a hard day a little brighter. They're a favorite among our customers who love starry skies and fireworks.

Rhino skin lacquer (Xipi, 犀皮漆) chopsticks, Chong series, $369: Our heirloom collection. The pattern is built up high, layer upon layer like the rings of a tree, a record of the years these chopsticks will spend by your side. Each pair takes nearly two years to finish, and that slowness carries a quiet reminder: meals are meant to be savored, and they only get better with time. Because they take so long to make, we usually have only a few pairs on hand.

Rhino skin lacquer chopsticks, Yi series, $109: The ridges are lower than in the Chong series, so the pattern flows more freely. They come in ten colors, each with its own personality and mood. Whether the person you have in mind is bold or quiet, you'll find one that fits.

Two pairs of black and gold lacquer chopsticks with matching rests, a ready-to-give gift for a couple.

For the Coffee or Tea Lover: Rhino Skin Lacquer Mug, $195

Our mugs are carved from a single piece of wood, body and handle together, with nothing glued on. It takes more work and more wood, but with no joint, there's no need to worry about the handle loosening or cracking at a seam.

Each mug is finished in rhino skin lacquer from our Yi series and comes in five styles. It holds 8 oz, just right for a cup of coffee or tea. Once fully cured, natural lacquer is heat-resistant and waterproof, so it's made for hot drinks. One note: because the body is wood, please wash it by hand and keep it out of the dishwasher and microwave.

It looks small and delicate, and the handle sits comfortably in your hand. With your first sip, you'll probably think: wow, this is a really nice cup.

Rhino skin lacquer mug in deep blue with an orange mountain pattern. Holds 8 oz.

For the Collector: Lacquer Dala Horse, from $199

The Dala horse is a beloved Swedish folk icon, one many American families know well. We've reimagined it in Chinese lacquer, a meeting of two craft traditions. A symbol of good wishes, the Dala horse has traveled from Sweden to China, and from China to America. It has come a long way, but the wish for a good life hasn't changed. If anything, it has grown, because my family has poured their warmth into every horse by hand.

Flowing gold horses come in two flow styles, both $199. Rhino skin lacquer horses from the Yi series are $329.

A green rhino skin lacquer Dala horse on a scholar's desk. Also available in two flowing gold patterns.

A Touch of Color for the Home: Small Lacquer Art Panels, $219

These are our newest pieces. Every panel is rhino skin lacquer from our Yi series, in three sizes: 12, 15, and 18 cm (about 4.7, 5.9, and 7.1 inches). Display one on a desk or bookshelf, or arrange a few together. Our own favorite is mixing different colors side by side. Every pattern is revealed through sanding, so even two panels in the same color, made on the same day by the same hands, will never match. Just like putting together your own style, everyone can create an arrangement that's uniquely theirs.

The color doesn't matter, and neither does the size. What matters is what you love. Give one to someone close, someone who understands you as well as you understand them, and it's not just a gift. It's a piece of your heart.

Small rhino skin lacquer paintings grouped on a living room wall. Mix colors and sizes to build your own set.

How to Choose

If you're not sure of their taste, choose black and gold; it's hard to go wrong. Black, red, and gold are the three classic colors of Chinese lacquerware.

If they're new to lacquerware, start with something they'll use every day, like chopsticks or a mug. They'll grow to love it with every use.

If they love collecting or decorating their home, a Dala horse or a small lacquer art panel is a better fit.

Gifting Details

Every piece comes in a gift box, ready to give. Shipping is free on all US orders, and orders usually arrive within 7–10 days. Whether it's a birthday, a wedding, Mother's Day, or the holidays, these pieces make thoughtful gifts for any occasion. Looking for a specific color or size? Contact us about a custom order.

Final Thoughts

A piece of lacquerware holds months, sometimes years, of slow, patient work. We hope it brings warmth to your home, or to someone you care about, for many years to come.

Zoe, HFDlacquerware (禾丰鼎)