Behind the masterpieces presented in this exhibition, with their remarkable diversity of colors, shapes and finishes, lies a single, extraordinary material : Chinese natural lacquer.

Extracted drop by drop from trees deep in the forests of China, this rare and mysterious substance has accompanied Chinese civilization for thousands of years.

But its story does not belong to the past.

Today, it remains at the heart of an entire world of knowledge, skills and traditions, sustained by harvesters, craftsmen and artists - a world that is very much alive.

Through documentary images, historical references and encounters with the people of lacquer, this talk explores the many dimensions of this fascinating material : its origins, its properties, its history and the lives and work of those connected to it.

A journey from the forest to the workshop, into the living world of Chinese natural lacquer.

Venue: Auditorium, Park-Villa-Rieter (Museum Rietberg, Seestrasse 110, 8002 Zurich)
Languages: English
Duration: 60 minutes
Door opening: 1:30 pm