All the Christina Li Lacquerware we sell is high quality and handmade by artisans with whom we fair trade directly, ensuring no factories or children are involved in the making of our product.

Using traditional methods which go back centuries, Lacquerware is made from locally sourced bamboo and other materials; Jackwood and softwood fibres are sometimes used as well.

Once the base is made it is sealed with resin, then dried in the sun, this is then covered in gauze and coated again in the natural resin from the lacquer tree. Next a fine paste is applied giving a smooth all over finish and left to dry.

Once dry, the Lacquerware is sanded smooth using a wet and dry process. This is repeated numerous times until a fine finish is achieved.

Decoration is then applied by hand; either a painted design or, for the metallic shiny look, aluminium leaf is applied and painted over. Eggshell and mother of pearl is frequently used for our decorative designs as well.

Lacquer is then painted or sprayed on. Each coat is dried in the sun and then sanded smooth before another coat is applied. As many as 20 coats are needed to produce the quality of work we sell. This whole process takes up to 3 months.