• Erke revives endangered lacquer techniques in emblematic Chinese creations
• He embeds gold leaf into the layers of lacquer to create a twinkling finish
• His distinctive works are held in museums all over the world

As a National Master of Arts and Crafts in China, Erke Gan has breathed new life into Huizhou lacquerware over the course of his multi-decade career. A dedicated lacquer craftsman since the 1970s, he inherited ancient Chinese traditions and revitalised the craft by developing a unique path inspired by the serene aesthetic of the Song and Yuan dynasties. Central to his work is the revival of xipi lacquer, also known as rhinoceros hide lacquer, a complex, 1,800-year-old marbled technique named for its flowing, skin-like patterns. Erke introduced gold leaf and bold colour harmonies into raw lacquer, to shift the practice from functional forms into timeless works of art. His masterpieces are held in prestigious global institutions, including the British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Palace Museum.