Rosewood Silver Inlay Techniques: Crafting a Peony-Adorned Jewelry Box

Before it evolved into a distinct craft category, the technique of inlaying silver wire was merely used for the restoration of ancient artifacts and the decoration of their bases. During the Daoguang period, a craftsman named Yao Xueqian, while repairing artifacts for the connoisseur Chen Jieqi and creating bases and brackets for antiques, alongside the mounting artist Tian Yufan, drew inspiration from exquisite artifacts throughout history and the Han dynasty's gold and silver wares. Together, they innovated the craft of inlaying gold and silver wires on wooden utensils. Using precious rosewood for the inlay bases and brackets, they enhanced the beauty and value of the antiques, making them even more exquisite. By the Guangxu period, the production of silver-inlaid lacquerware had become widespread in Weixian (now Weifang). The range of products expanded from bases and brackets for artifacts to various crafts and furniture, enjoying broad market success and indicating a flourishing scene. Thus, the rosewood silver-inlaid lacquerware officially emerged as a separate craft category.

00:00 intro
00:10 pattern design
00:44 pattern transfer
00:58 prepare tools
01:17 carve fine grooves
03:37 process silver wires
03:51 inlay outline of pattern
06:48 inlay silver carvings
08:08 inlay gold carvings
11:00 polish finished piece