CHINESE LACQUER · MADE BY TIME

The Timeless Art of Chinese Lacquer

About XIU

XIU is a contemporary Chinese lacquer brand founded in 2019, rooted in an 8,000-year-old craft tradition. Working with natural lacquer harvested from the lacquer tree, XIU creates furniture, everyday objects, gifts, and bespoke lacquer surfaces that bring the beauty of Eastern craftsmanship into contemporary life. Through the hands of artisans and the patience of time, each piece preserves the spirit of traditional lacquer while embracing modern design.

A collection of colorful, abstract patterns arranged in a grid, featuring various textures and color schemes including reds, blues, greens, browns, and yellows.
A shell with dark liquid inside, attached to a tree trunk, with blurred green foliage in the background.

What Is Chinese Lacquer

Chinese lacquer is a natural material harvested from the sap of the lacquer tree. Unlike synthetic coatings, natural lacquer transforms through a slow curing process influenced by time, temperature, and humidity. Rather than simply drying, lacquer gradually develops its depth, strength, and unique character. With use, its surface becomes warmer and more luminous — revealing a beauty that continues to evolve over time.

Red soap dispenser, red bottle, and red soap dish on a blue speckled table with a blue wall in the background.

Riyong Jidao · Lacquer for Everyday Living

Riyong Jidao reimagines traditional Chinese lacquerware for contemporary lifestyles. Inspired by intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship, the collection brings centuries-old techniques into everyday spaces — transforming lacquer from a treasured art form into objects designed to be used, enjoyed, and lived with.

Red gift boxes and packaging, including two cups, displayed on a table with a distant mountain mural or painting in the background.

Li Wang Gift Collection · The Art of Eastern Gifting

Inspired by the ceremonial traditions of Eastern culture, the Li Wang Gift Collection expresses respect, connection, and emotion through the timeless art of lacquer. Each piece combines heritage craftsmanship with refined presentation, creating meaningful gifts that carry the spirit of Chinese aesthetics and cultural tradition.​​

Elegant dining room with cream-colored ornate walls and arches, decorative columns, a red table, black chairs, wall sconces, framed artwork, and a staircase in the background.

Zhemu Liangsen · Lacquer Furniture Collection

Zhemu Liangsen explores the relationship between lacquer, furniture, and everyday life. With time, natural lacquer develops a unique patina, becoming richer through touch and experience. These pieces are not created merely for display — they are designed to accompany daily moments and become part of a living space.

Art Lacquer Cup
€169.00

A quiet expression of Eastern craftsmanship.
Deep black lacquer meets flowing gold lines and subtle iridescent details, creating a cup that reveals something new with every change of light.

The Art of Chinese Lacquer

Rooted in an ancient tradition, reimagined for modern life.

Lacquer has been part of Chinese material culture for thousands of years, valued for its depth, luminosity, and remarkable ability to transform a simple surface into something expressive.

Our lacquer cups bring this tradition into a contemporary setting, combining an understated silhouette with richly layered surfaces and organic patterns.

Each piece is designed to celebrate the beauty of imperfection — where subtle variations, shifting light, and handcrafted details make the object feel personal and alive.

 Inquiry / Custom Order Form

We welcome custom projects, commercial commissions, and creative collaborations. From bespoke lacquer surfaces to furniture and artistic installations, XIU works with designers, brands, and collectors to create unique pieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision. Inquiry fields: Name, Email, Phone, Project Details.

Two black outdoor chairs with armrests on a gravel surface, surrounded by green plants and foliage.