The Cultural Review of Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Lacquerware Development: Analysing the Evolution of Yangzhou Lacquerware, Peranakan Lacquerware and Arts from Japan and Korea

Abstract:The preservation and development of modern mother-of-pearl inlay lacquerware are crucial for maintaining a historic craft that reflects both technical mastery and cultural legacy. This research traces the evolution of mother-of-pearl lacquerware from traditional methods to modern adaptations, highlighting differences in cultural influences across three regions and the sustainability issues they create. It includes field visits to the Yangzhou Lacquerware Factory in China and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum in Malaysia, as well as a thorough review of relevant literature on Southeast Asian craft centres. Combining fieldwork, visual analysis and literature insights, the study offers a comprehensive view of how traditional craftsmanship relates to modern practices focusing on material treatment, techniques, design and cultural meanings. It examines techniques, materials, motifs and the cultural forces shaping current mother-of-pearl inlay practices. The results showcase the detailed craftsmanship of pointed-shell inlay in Yangzhou, the blend of Chinese and Malaysian aesthetics in Peranakan lacquerware and innovative uses of mother-of-pearl in modern Japanese and Korean art. These regional studies demonstrate both persistence and change in traditional inlay methods. The research identifies key sustainability challenges, including a decline in skilled artisans, high costs and changing market needs. Despite these issues, ongoing efforts aim to merge traditional techniques with new materials and designs, securing the relevance of mother-of-pearl inlay lacquerware today.