Traditional Dafang lacquerware regains energy in Guizhou

Dafang lacquerware, renowned for its ethnic style and local characteristics, is one of the traditional arts and crafts from Bijie city of Guizhou province. [Photo by Peng Youlin/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dafang lacquerware is one of the traditional arts and crafts from Bijie city of Guizhou province. This lacquerware boasts a history of over 600 years and is renowned for its ethnic style and local characteristics.

In June 2008, the Dafang lacquer art of the Yi ethnic group was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Gao Guangyou began learning the skills of Dafang lacquerware in 1985. "A complex process and high requirements, at least to some extent, restrict the inheritance and development of Dafang lacquerware," he says.

Dafang lacquerware, renowned for its ethnic style and local characteristics, is one of the traditional arts and crafts from Bijie city of Guizhou province. [Photo by Peng Youlin/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 59-year-old inheritor incorporated modern fashion elements into traditional lacquerware to broaden the market. He applied his skills to daily necessities such as tea sets, antique furniture, lacquer paintings and decorations.

In addition, he set up training classes for inheritors, guiding more than 500 locals in acquiring the skills to make Dafang lacquerware.

In recent years, Dafang county has established partnerships with universities to collect lacquer handicrafts and expand its market, transforming lacquerware into an emerging industry that enriches the local community and revitalizes the county's cultural heritage.

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story.

Inheritor Gao Guangyou makes Dafang lacquerware at his workshop in Dafang county, Guizhou province. [Photo by Peng Youlin/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]