Completing Traditions: An Artist’s Thoughts on Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year

With just a few days left before the Chinese New Year holiday, I’ve been busy finishing several lacquerware pieces. I don’t like leaving projects unfinished, especially as the year comes to an end. Completing these works feels like tying up loose ends and reflecting on the journey of craftsmanship over the past year.

Recently, a couple of societal topics have left a lasting impression on me—topics that are deeply relevant during this reflective time of year.

The first is the phenomenon of “involution,” or as we say in Chinese, “卷” (juǎn). This term has become a buzzword, describing the relentless and exhausting competition in modern life: lower wages, longer working hours, and increasing demands on workers. To be honest, I detest this reality. Workers deserve to approach their labor with a rational mindset and receive fair compensation. Yet, in a society so preoccupied with endless competition, many seem to have lost sight of what life should truly be about—finding balance, fulfillment, and meaning.

The second topic is “returning” home. The Chinese New Year is one of the most significant holidays in China, marked by the great migration of people traveling back to their hometowns to reunite with family. This annual migration is often called the largest human movement in the world. As a native of southern Fujian (Min’nan), I deeply understand the sense of belonging and family ties that drive this tradition.

For my family, returning home from Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, is no small feat. It involves a nearly three-hour flight followed by a two-hour drive to my parents’ house in Fujian. Even with these logistical hurdles, I consider ourselves lucky compared to those facing greater challenges. Every year, we see images of the “motorcycle army”—people riding motorbikes for thousands of kilometers to get home, braving the elements, even snow and icy roads.

Choosing this grueling mode of transport isn’t by preference but by necessity, as many aim to save on travel costs. This brings me back to the earlier point about “involution.” Saving every penny has become a way of life for many families, a reflection of the competitive economic pressures they face.

I hesitate to dwell on such topics, but they’re hard to ignore. While China’s labor force was once incredibly cheap, our rapidly developing society should now place greater value on workers, offering them dignity and fair compensation. In my work, we strive to treat our artisan partners with respect, offering them a reasonable income and the recognition they deserve. After all, these craftsmen are the backbone of preserving traditional skills and passing them on to future generations.

A Wooden Body Lacquerware with Double Happiness

Now, let’s return to my recent lacquerware projects. Over the past few weeks, I’ve completed two pieces that I’m quite satisfied with: a paper-based tea tray (茶船, or teapot stand) and a tea plate, both part of what I call my “Boredom Series.” These works are unique in that they are made from paper but are as sturdy as ceramic. They also weigh less than half of what ceramic would, making them highly portable. The aesthetic qualities of lacquer bring a refined charm to tea drinking, making the experience both unique and delightful.

Both pieces are now in their final stages. However, the tea plate needs a bit more work. I unintentionally over-sanded some of the gold leaf, leaving the surface less than perfect. This means it will go through another round of gold application, followed by the final polishing process to enhance its luster. Though it takes more time, I know the extra effort will be worth it.

As I wrap up these projects, I look forward to spending a peaceful and meaningful Chinese New Year with my family. These moments of tradition and togetherness remind me why we work so hard—to create, to preserve, and to share beauty in the world.