Lacquer is fascinating. The material protects, preserves, and embellishes, revealing its unique aesthetic power. The soft glow of its silky surface is at once serene and striking. In China, this material was elevated to an art form in the distant past. Works of extraordinary intricacy have been created over millennia, perfectly melding exceptional craftsmanship and deep cultural significance.

Red – Masterpieces of chinese lacquerware at Museum Rietberg invites visitors to delve into this world. The exhibition brings together exceptional objects impressive not only for their technical skill but also for their nuanced symbolism. Flowers and birds represent harmony and beauty while dragons and phoenixes stand for power and happiness. Bats and insects embody good fortune. These images reveal the full breadth of imagination in Chinese culture.

Together, these works offer an insight into the rich visual language that developed around lacquerware and its enduring place in Chinese artistic traditions. The exhibition also highlights the close connection between material, technique, and meaning, showing how carefully crafted surfaces can carry stories, beliefs, and cultural values across generations.