Iridescent Flowers

Captivated by the sophistication of lacquer art, third-generation artist Wang Chun-wei, represented by Eastern Aesthete, unveils masterpieces that showcase the subtle yet intricately complex beauty of the art form.

Through his work, Wang shines a spotlight on the multi-faceted techniques behind this centuries-old craft, resulting in pieces that demonstrate the unique dichotomy of precision and delicacy. He first draws the audience with his vibrant colours, then with the lustre of the surfaces, and holds them with the artistic and polished strokes of his tranquil, idyllic images.

Wang’s journey into the world of lacquer art was shaped by a rich artistic upbringing that taught him sketching, oil painting, and Western visual arts. Today, he blends this diverse knowledge and mastery of skills into his work, while also honouring the unique characteristics of traditional lacquer painting.

Much of Wang’s passion stems from his grandfather, Wang Ching-shuang, a revered figure in Taiwan’s art scene. Ching-shuang’s dedication to lacquer art, learned during his youth in Japan, instilled in him the discipline and quest for perfection often seen among Japanese master craftsmen. “My grandfather approached each piece with utmost meticulousness,” he says. “His persistence is the most valuable thing I’ve learned from him.”

An example of this diligent and precise approach is seen in Ching-shuang’s Beauty Under the Moon, the result of two decades of patiently observing and sketching blooming cacti that only flowered at night. Hundreds of sketches later, the artwork came to life. The same persistence and attention to detail are evident in his grandson’s work. Chun-wei’s first series of lacquer paintings, Royal Poinciana and Morning Glory, took four years to complete, each stroke reflecting his quest for perfection.

In his artistic explorations, Chun-wei often finds inspiration in the delicacy of flowers. In the vase, Whispers of Lotus, he captures the nobility and purity of lotus flowers. The scene unfolds with the lotus gently swaying in the breeze above clear waters, conjuring an idyllic image.

In contrast, in the piece Nocturne, he depicts frosty blue lilies emerging against a backdrop of midnight black lacquer, adorned with the rhythmic streaks of seashell. The work beautifully portrays pristine lilies kissed by moonlight, their petals unfurling in the darkness.