Pao Hui Kao

Lacquerer

Urushi for paper

Pao Hui works with urushi lacquer
She brings innovation to an age-old craft
Her creations bridge Asian and Western approaches

Pao Hui Kao’s fascination with urushi lacquer started during a residency at the workshop of a Japanese urushi master. Urushi lacquer is the sap of Asian lacquer trees traditionally applied on carved wood. The experience prompted her to give this very ancient craft a contemporary dimension. Instead of applying the lacquer to wood, Pao Hui uses it on paper to make contemplative objects, sculptures and installations. “I first reinforce the paper by making it wet, and apply urushi on this wrinkled paper,” she explains. “Shaping paper into a sturdy material using only water requires much effort and patience.” Her innovative method is in line with her personal experience of bridging two worlds – her native country Taiwan, and the Netherlands where she has set up her workshop.

Interview

Why did you choose to work with urushi lacquer?: It happened very naturally after I learned traditional lacquering techniques during my craft residency in Aizu Wakamatsu, Japan. I actually feel as if I did not choose the material, but instead the material came to me.
Can you tell us something more about this material?: Urushi lacquer can only be harvested from a lacquer tree that is at least 15 years old and is grown in specific regions of Asia. Typically, only 150ml of lacquer can be harvested from a single urushi tree.
How do you find the inspiration for your creations?: I am not actively searching for inspiration when developing a new project. It naturally comes to me while I am walking, cycling or showering. I believe this must be connected to my childhood experiences of being surrounded by nature, running in the forest and playing with animals.
How do you stay focused during your making process?: To stay calm and focused, it is very important for me to block out all content from social media, because that flow of information can be overwhelming.

Pao Hui Kao is a rising star: she began her career in 2016 and she started teaching in 2023