The earliest examples of carved cinnabar lacquer date back to the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). A bright red mineral derived from…

The earliest examples of carved cinnabar lacquer date back to the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). A bright red mineral derived from mercury sulfide, cinnabar provides the vibrant color of the seal paste used to sign official documents and works of art in China. It was also the primary ingredient in magical concoctions prepared by ancient Taoist philosophers, who called it immortal elixir. In lacquer ware, hundreds of layers of cinnabar-dyed resin are applied to a wooden form, which is then carved with extreme care to create three-dimensional designs. Only the most skilled carvers are allowed to work on important pieces, as a single slip of the knife can ruin weeks months of preparation work.