28/05/2026
Xipi, or “rhinoceros hide”, 犀皮is a traditional Chinese lacquer technique distinguished by its marbled, layered patterns. Artists achieve this by dotting thick, multi-colored lacquer onto a base, applying dozens of successive layers, and painstakingly sanding and polishing the surface to reveal the hidden, marbled colors.
Originating in the Tang dynasty and refined during the Song and Yuan periods, xipi demonstrates both technical precision and refined aesthetics. Master Gan Erke (b. 1955) has revitalised the technique, introducing bold colour pigments and gold leaf combinations while preserving the disciplined craftsmanship central to this lacquer tradition.
Photos courtesy of GAN Erke
GAN Erke artworks
In permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as:
Wereldmuseum, the Netherlands
V&A Museum in London, UK
The British Museum, UK
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, US
#漆芸
