Laquer Thread Sculpture

　　Lacquer thread sculpture is shaped by the soil of lacquer thread. Made from three materials: maple sap, tung oil, lithopone, the lacquer thread soil is similar in texture to that of clay. After making the lacquer thread soil, knead the soil similar to kneading play doh, and knead the lacquer thread soil into strips — soft and elastic thin threads. After the original materials synthesize for the first time, continue adding

powder and toughen it; the texture

image source：The process of Laquer Thread mud

will become less sticky and easier to mold. Even though lacquer thread soil can be manufactured artificially, naturally made lacquer thread soil has better quality and can be preserved longer.

　　There are two ways to create lacquer thread: the traditional way, which is using one’s hands to knead the soil, or the more modern way, which is using a lacquer thread machine. Lacquer thread machines can automatically turn lacquer thread soil into thin threads, but some lacquer thread sculpture masters think that traditionally made lacquer thread has better quality than the lacquer thread that lacquer thread machines create.

image source: 文化銀行

The ratio for the mixture of brick powder and natural paint varies from master to master. The powdery thread is soft and delicate and sticks easily onto artworks, which is why it is less able to display the 3D effect of the artworks.

　　The design pattern of the lacquer thread sculpture must be determined before the actual sculpting process is followed through. Physically pressing or pinching are usually the methods chosen to carry out designs that protrude out of the body being sculpted on; most of the other designs carried out by guiding lacquer threads are by hands. By dangling lacquer threads in their palms, masters use their fingers to

guide the threads along the

image source:文化銀行

intended design patterns. Lacquer threads of different thicknesses are used to present a three-dimensional impression. Once the sculpting of threads is completed, the sculpture will be covered in a layer of protective paint to maintain the appearance.

　　After the sculpture has taken its shape, its surface will be coated with a thin layer of gold, whose purity will affect both the product's luminosity and its overall quality. First, lacquer thread sculpture masters will apply a base layer of paint to increase the strength of the lacquer threads and their smoothness. And then, in the process of gold plating with pure gold, the gold leaf will be fixed in place by sticking gold foil through

image source: 蔡氏漆線雕

a technique known as the “tuo jin” technique. In this step, control over the environment is extremely crucial. Not only can’t the workplace contain airborne dust, the room temperature must be maintained at 25 degrees Celsius. In this step, a common mistake for beginners is to be wasteful and use excess amounts of gold leaf to cover the sculpture’s three-dimensional surface, which raises the cost.