Cinnebar

For the mercury form, see cinnabar.

Cinnebar is a soft wood from the cinnebar tree, which grows in Southeast Asia.^[1]

Uses

Because the cinnebar wood is very soft it can be used to create beads, boxes and accessories by pressing a pattern into the wood. Color is sometimes added with a resin to give it more stability.^[1]

In Imperial China, lacquers were revered due to the time and superior craftsmanship required to produce items from cinnebar. The lacquer is created from the sap of a native Chinese tree, Rhus Verniciflua. The lacquering technique dates back 3,000 years and involves the application of up to 200 thin layers of processed sap. The sap produces a natural varnish that protects the wood. Carving the lacquer is equally arduous and is considered a true art.^[2]

Gallery

Items crafted from cinnebar.

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References

1. ^ ^{a b} Hand Carved Cinnebar, Jewelex.com, Retrieved on May 2, 2008
2. ^ Chinese Handicrafts, Cartage.org, Retrieved on May 8, 2008