金漆鑲嵌：傳承千年的宮廷之美

中國是最早認識漆並製作漆器的國家,歷史上北京曾是重要的漆器産區。金漆鑲嵌作為中國傳統漆器的重要門類,其工藝品種在歷史的長河中不斷豐富發展,綜合了“燕京八絕”中雕漆、花絲鑲嵌、玉雕三項絕技,彰顯出古樸典雅、端莊華貴、富麗堂皇的皇家風範,是帶有濃厚“京味兒”的工藝品。2008年被列入國家級非物質文化遺産代表性項目名錄。

China was the first country to discover lacquer and produce lacquerware, with Beijing historically serving as a significant production hub. Golden lacquer inlay, a prominent category within traditional Chinese lacquerware, has evolved over centuries, integrating three unique techniques from the “Eight Wonders of Yanjing”: carved lacquer, filigree inlay, and jade carving. This art form showcases a simple, elegant, dignified, luxurious, and magnificent royal aura, embodying the essence of "Beijing flavor". In 2008, it was listed as a representative project of the Representative List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

北京金漆鑲嵌從師傳系統、工藝技法到藝術風格都直接繼承和發展了明清宮廷藝術,形成了古樸典雅、端莊華貴、富麗堂皇、品類繁多的皇家風範,清王朝滅亡後,這門原本主要為宮廷服務的漆器工藝傳向民間。北京風格,在中國的漆器百花園中獨樹一幟。

Beijing's gold lacquer inlay directly inherits and develops the imperial artistry of the Ming and Qing dynasties, encompassing its teaching system, craftsmanship, and tartistic styles. It embodies a royal style of simplicity, elegance, dignity, magnificence and diversity. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, this craft, once exclusive to the court, was passed down to the common people. The Beijing style stands out in the diverse world of Chinese lacquerware.

金漆鑲嵌是一種錦上添花的藝術,甚至是錦上添花再添花的藝術。所謂“金”,指製作過程中運用到的黃金,包括金片、金箔、金粉;所謂“漆”,也就是傳統天然大漆;所謂“鑲嵌”,則是指將各種天然軟硬質玉石、獸骨、牛角雕鏤成人物、花鳥、山石、樓臺等圖案,鑲嵌于漆胎之上。簡言之,金漆鑲嵌就是在“金漆”之上,再施以各種“鑲嵌”工藝。可以想見,以如此工藝製作出的漆器一定是雍容華貴,繁複異常,有著鮮明的宮廷審美。

Golden lacquer inlay is an art of adding icing on the cake, or even adding flowers to an already blossoming garden. The "gold" refers to the gold used in the production process, including flakes, foil, and powder. "Lacquer" denotes the traditional natural lacquer. "Inlay" involves carving various natural gemstones, bones, and horns into patterns like figures, flora, fauna, landscapes, and architectures, which are then inlaid onto the lacquer base. In short, gold lacquer inlay is the process of applying various inlay techniques on top of "gold lacquer", resulting in exquisitely ornate and luxurious lacquerware with a distinct imperial aesthetic.

胡昕,清宮造辦處第五代傳承人,北京一級工藝美術大師,師從胡錫恒大師。她把將近五十年的時光,都投入到了金漆鑲嵌設計與創作當中。胡昕大師始終致力於將傳統技藝與現代審美相結合,將中國的古畫從絹布移至屏風之上,推動金漆鑲嵌技藝的創新與發展。

Hu Xin, the fifth generation inheritor from the Qing Palace’s Construction Office and a distinguished master of arts and crafts in Beijing, studied under Master Hu Xiheng. She has devoted nearly five decades to the design and creation of golden lacquer inlay. Master Hu Xin has been committed to combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, transferring ancient Chinese paintings from silk to screens, thereby driving the innovation and development of golden lacquer inlay.

胡昕老師現場為學生們展示金漆鑲嵌技術

Hu Xin demonstrated the technique of golden lacquer inlay to students at the event.

人物風景栩栩如生,活靈活現。經過金漆裝飾的展品,繁雜精緻,熠熠生輝,無處不凸顯著來自古老民族的莊重與華麗。來自北京第二外國語學院的哈薩克留學生安格麗娜,在參觀了金漆鑲嵌藝術博物館後被金漆鑲嵌的展品所震撼。她滿懷敬意地拜訪了技藝傳承人胡昕老師,由衷讚嘆後她不免問道:“您如何能夠製作出這樣精緻繁複的圖案?”。

The characters and landscapes are vivid. The exhibits decorated with golden lacquer were intricate and exquisite, shining brightly, highlighting the solemnity and splendor of ancient civiliazation. Angelina, a Kazakhstani student from Beijing International Studies University, was amazed by the exhibits at the Golden Lacquer Inlay Art Museum. She visited Master Hu Xin with reverence and could help but inquire, "How do you create such exquisite and intricate patterns?”

在大師工作室,胡昕老師親自現場教學指導,安格麗娜有了與大師面對面交流的機會。從最基本的顏色調製學起,到圖案的繪製,安格麗娜觀摩體驗了金漆鑲嵌描金彩繪工藝。她發現僅僅一個粉色的調製,就需要非常多的嘗試與調整,在胡昕老師的悉心指導下,終於製作出了一份屬於安格麗娜的“金漆鑲嵌”。

At the master's studio, Angelina had the opportunity to learn from Master Hu Xin firsthand. From the most basic color mixing to pattern drawing, Angelina observed and experienced the gold lacquer inlay and gold painting technique. She found that even mixing a simple pink required numerous attempts and adjustments. With Master Hu Xin’s meticulous guidance, Angelina finally crafted her own unique piece of golden lacquer inlay.

胡昕老師正在教安格麗娜製作金漆鑲嵌

Hu Xin was teaching Angelina how to make golden lacquer inlay.

胡昕老師説“沒有文化的積澱,是設計不出作品的。”她對自己的要求就是讓參觀者感受到作品的內涵。她的風格自成一派,不是一味地遵循傳統。“為往聖繼絕學”,恢復、繼承與發展傳統工藝是保護工作的當務之急。我們要做的工作還很多,需要抓緊時間,投入力量挽救我們自己的遺産。為此,她與金漆鑲嵌博物館積極推動進學校、進社區、進商圈、進企業、進園區的“五進”政策,努力實現校企産教融合,工學一體,讓金漆鑲嵌事業可持續的發展壯大,讓更多的人了解、認識這一古老技藝。

Master Hu Xin believes, "Without cultural accumulation, it is impossible to design meaningful works." Her requirement for herself is to ensure visitors appreciate the depth of her creations. Her unique style doesn't blindly follow tradition but aims to "inherit the ultimate knowledge from the past." Restoring, inheriting, and developing traditional crafts is urgent for their preservation. We still have a lot of work to do, and we need to seize the time and invest our efforts to save our own heritage. To this end, Master Hu Xin and the Golden Lacquer Inlay Museum actively promote the "Five Ins" policy -- entering schools, communities, commercial districts, enterprises, and parks. They strive for integration between education and industry, enabling sustainable growth for golden lacquer inlay and raising awareness about this ancient craft.

胡昕無比希望金漆鑲嵌事業能夠越來越好,希望金漆鑲嵌的作品能大眾所認可,希望能有更多的年輕人能喜愛這項技藝,將這門優秀的技藝傳承下去。對於有志於投身金漆鑲嵌傳承與創新的年輕人,她也鼓勵他們展望未來,腳踏實地,總結經驗,不斷提升認知,開闊眼界,苦練技藝,推陳出新,堅守初心與使命,對技藝,對作品都要精益求精,做到極致。

Master Hu Xin hopes that the golden lacquer inlay industry will thrive and gain recognition. She also hopes that more young people love this skill and pass on this excellent technique. For young people who are interested in dedicating themselves to the inheritance and innovation of gold lacquer inlay, she encourages them to look ahead, stay down-to-earth, learn from experience, constantly improve their knowledge, broaden their horizons, hone their skills, innovate, and adhere to their original aspirations and missions. She emphasizes the pursuit of excellence in both skill and craftsmanship.

“金漆鑲嵌這門古老的技藝能夠流傳如此長久,很大一部分是來源於傳承這項技藝的匠人們的匠心,其八千多年的歷史就是它獨特的魅力。這門藝術值得被大家深入挖掘,我們會用精品佳作反映時代精神,讓金漆鑲嵌走得更高更遠。”

The longevity of golden lacquer inlay as an ancient craft lies largely in the craftsmanship of its inheritors, and its 8,000-year history is its unique charm. This art deserves deeper exploration, and we will create masterpieces that reflect the spirit of the times, taking golden lacquer inlay to new heights."