Intangible Culture Heritage Craftman
In today’s fast-paced modern life, an everyday item that carries thousands of years of craftsmanship not only adds beauty to daily living but also reconnects us with traditional culture. Tan Mujiang integrates the time-honored lacquer art with wooden comb making, creating treasures that are both practical and collectible. Let us step into the world of Tan Mujiang’s lacquered wooden combs and experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
What Is Lacquer Art?
Lacquer art, also known as natural lacquer craftsmanship, is one of China’s most ancient intangible cultural heritages. It originates from the natural resin secreted by lacquer trees, which, after collection and processing, becomes a coating material with heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting luster. As early as the Neolithic Age, Chinese ancestors were already using lacquer to make utensils—over 8,000 years of history.
The process of creating lacquerware is extremely complex, involving dozens or even hundreds of steps, such as priming, lacquering, polishing, and decorating. Each step requires a craftsman’s precision, patience, and dedication. This meticulous and refined craftsmanship gives lacquerware its unparalleled texture and value.
Tan Mujiang: A Modern Inheritor of Traditional Craftsmanship
As a well-known brand in China’s wooden comb industry, Tan Mujiang has long been dedicated to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design. In an era dominated by mass production and mechanization, Tan Mujiang continues to uphold handmade production, preserving the essence of traditional wooden comb making. By applying lacquer art to wooden combs, the brand showcases both the profound cultural heritage and innovative development of traditional arts.
The Craftsmanship Behind Lacquered Wooden Combs
The creation of Tan Mujiang’s lacquered wooden combs is a true test of time and craftsmanship:
Material Selection: High-quality wood is carefully chosen, cut, and polished into the shape of a comb.
Base Treatment: Layers of putty and polishing ensure a smooth, flawless surface, preparing it for lacquering.
Lacquering Process: Using traditional techniques, natural lacquer is applied layer by layer. Each layer must be air-dried in specific temperature and humidity conditions.
Decorative Techniques: Gold painting, inlay, and carved filling techniques are used to create exquisite patterns on the lacquered surface.
Polishing & Finishing: Repeated polishing gives the comb a smooth, jade-like luster.
The entire process can take months, or even over a year. This uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship makes each lacquered comb truly unique.
Lacquered Wooden Combs: A Perfect Blend of Utility and Collectibility
Tan Mujiang’s lacquered combs are more than just grooming tools—they are collectible works of art:
Practical Value: Lacquer naturally resists insects and moisture, protecting the comb and extending its lifespan. Its smooth surface makes hair grooming effortless and comfortable.
Artistic Value: Each comb is a standalone artwork, with elegant patterns and a lustrous finish that make it highly ornamental.
Cultural Value: These combs embody the heritage of Chinese craftsmanship, carrying forward an intangible cultural legacy.
Emotional Value: As a gift, a lacquered comb symbolizes “combing away worries and wishing for smoothness in life,” conveying heartfelt blessings.
Conclusion: The Art of Combing Through Time
Tan Mujiang’s lacquered combs are not only a fusion of craftsmanship and practicality but also a dialogue between tradition and modernity. With every stroke of combing, we can feel the warmth of ancient craftsmanship and the artisan’s dedication. In an era that values speed, owning such a comb offers a moment of slowness—an opportunity to touch history.
Through these exquisite lacquered wooden combs, let us safeguard traditional craftsmanship, preserve cultural essence, and allow this ancient intangible heritage to shine even more brilliantly in the modern age.
