A many layered affair

After bouncing around a few ideas with his teachers and gaining their approval, Gao revised some traditional methods through trial and error.

In particular, he made a breakthrough in the lacquer stacking technique. The traditional method involves applying lacquer and the mixture of lacquer and yellow earth alternately on the surface.

The tricky part is not applying the layers too thickly, as this will result in uneven drying or even wrinkling, he explains.

For example, to create a decorative pattern 0.3 centimeters thick requires applying 8-12 layers of lacquer and mixture. These delicate steps are not just time consuming and costly, but make it difficult to achieve the desired effect.

Gao experimented with a variety of modern materials, and eventually came up with an innovative approach after three years. As a result of his new technique, the previously repetitive steps have been reduced to a single layering. This significantly reduces labor and shortens production time by 70 percent while the pieces themselves retain the same exquisite, elegant, and durable characteristics as before. They have been instantly well-received by the market.

To better carry forward the heritage of his craft, Gao assembled some folk lacquerware artists and founded his own factory in 2013 specializing in Dafang lacquerware design and manufacture. Additionally, it offers regular training to local makers.

Gao has worked with institutes of higher learning like the Guizhou Normal University and set up lacquerware teaching and creation facilities to nurture inheritors.

Based in traditional craftsmanship, he has made a point of keeping up with trends and has developed antique-style lacquerware furniture, lacquerware paintings, various forms of packaging, tourist handicrafts, and practical lacquerware products.

Under his influence, his two sons have also taken a shine to the art.

"Our main customers are art collectors and tourists," says one of them, Gao Yan, who learned the craft from his father and is now in charge of marketing.

Product prices range from a few hundred yuan to tens of thousands.

"Trinkets, wine cups and bracelets are especially popular with travelers," the 35-year-old says.

The family factory can produce 30,000 pieces of lacquerware a year, and made over 5.5 million yuan ($766,000) in 2019.

Gao Guangyou says he feels the increasing support of the government for intangible cultural heritage preservation and development.

"The inheritance and protection of Dafang lacquerware has seen positive results," he says.

Favorable tax policies have enabled him to earmark more money for experimenting with innovation and promotion.

"That gives us more confidence to carry on this ancient folk art," he says.

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story.