Would you deduce the core material of this elegant creation to be wood, porcelain, or metal? Intriguingly, it's made entirely of lacquer, realized through a method that involves over 100 meticulous steps. This artisanal tradition has a venerable history that dates to the Tang Dynasty (618-906 A.D.). Vases sculpted using this technique are not only lightweight but also resilient, destined to last generations.

The head and neck of the peacock are rendered with exceptional detail, employing the intricate Maki-e technique. The resulting gradient, transitioning between hues of blue and green, lends a soft, enchanting glow to the piece.

The peacock's intricate tail is a study in precision, realized through the ancient "yunjin" (暈金) method. In this technique, gold powder is delicately sprinkled onto wet lacquer, producing an artwork that resonates with fluid elegance and otherworldly charm. This majestic tail is further accentuated by strategically placed inlaid seashells that gleam with iridescence.

Anchoring the peacock is a rugged terrain, exemplifying another venerated crafting technique. Hand-carved, its tactile, three-dimensional texture attests to the artisans' unparalleled sculpting acumen, evoking the raw beauty of natural landscapes.

An art form with an allure that intensifies over time, lacquerware can be likened to a vintage wine that only gets finer with age. It’s by every measure a cultural artifact, with roots tracing back thousands of years in the East.

Crafted through a series of intricate steps, lacquerware emanates a sophisticated glow that's simultaneously majestic and understated. Its unique sheen, an interplay of luxury and elegance, has charmed global connoisseurs, evident in cherished pieces such as Chanel's iconic black lacquer screen or Jaeger-LeCoultre's polished lacquer dials.

Today, the torchbearer of this ancient craft is Wang Ching-Shuang, a luminary in Taiwan recognized as a "Living National Treasure." Together with his sons, Wang Xianzhi and Wang Xianmin, and grandson, Wang Junwei, they passionately uphold and further the rich traditions of lacquer artistry.

This multi-generational family not only preserves the foundational techniques of lacquer but also brings a contemporary touch with their refined artistic flair and discernment. They rejuvenate this age-old craft by seamlessly merging historical nuances with modern sensibilities. Each masterpiece they produce is a testament to their unwavering commitment to maintaining and enhancing the timeless appeal of lacquerware.