Pingyao Push-Polished Lacquerware Craft

Pingyao push-polished lacquerware originated in the Western Zhou period and was progressively refined after the Han and Tang dynasties; it reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties through Jin merchant trade, forming a complete industry within Pingyao's walls.

The craft involves four major stages: preparing the base, applying lacquer, decorating, and push-polishing; the polishing stage uses the palm to repeatedly buff the lacquered surface to a mirror-like sheen through dozens of manual steps.

Pingyao push-polished lacquerware is an outstanding representative of China's traditional arts and crafts, with works winning prizes at international exhibitions; it is the core cultural card of Pingyao's intangible heritage.

Several push-polished lacquerware workshops and showrooms operate inside Pingyao's ancient city walls, where visitors can watch craftspeople at work and purchase finished pieces.