Rosewood Silver Inlay Techniques: Crafting a Peony-Adorned Jewelry Box

Before it evolved into a distinct craft category, the technique of inlaying silver wire was merely used for the restoration of ancient artifacts and the decoration of their bases. During the Daoguang period, a craftsman named Yao Xueqian, while repairing artifacts for the connoisseur Chen Jieqi and creating bases and brackets for antiques, alongside the mounting artist Tian Yufan, drew inspiration from exquisite artifacts throughout history and the Han dynasty’s gold and silver wares. Together, they innovated the craft of inlaying gold and silver wires on wooden utensils. Using precious rosewood for the inlay bases and brackets, they enhanced the beauty and value of the antiques, making them even more exquisite. By the Guangxu period, the production of silver-inlaid lacquerware had become widespread in Weixian (now Weifang). The range of products expanded from bases and brackets for artifacts to various crafts and furniture, enjoying broad market success and indicating a flourishing scene. Thus, the rosew