What is Chinese lacquer?

Chinese lacquer, a symbol of elegance and refinement, is used by the famous brand ST Dupont to enhance its exceptional creations, such as its iconic lighters and pens. This precious material, derived from a complex artisanal process, is valued for its durability, beauty, and unique properties.

Origin and extraction of Chinese lacquer

Chinese lacquer is a natural resin extracted from the Rhus Verniciflua tree, which is mainly found in China, Vietnam, and Japan. The extraction is done in the manner of latex, by making a cut in the trunk. Once collected, this raw sap, dark in color and viscous in appearance, is carefully stored because it contains urushiol, a urticant substance that can cause severe allergies.

The production per tree is extremely limited: about 15 grams per year, making it a rare and expensive resource.

The manufacturing process

Transforming raw resin into Chinese lacquer requires unique expertise and closely guarded techniques.

Here are the main steps:

• Mixing: The resin is combined with pigments, binders, and China wood oils.
• Grinding: The material is carefully ground to obtain a homogeneous paste.
• Filtering: The paste is filtered several times to remove impurities, resulting in significant material losses.

This process requires extreme precision, which contributes to the exceptional value and quality of the Chinese lacquer used by S.T. Dupont.

The application of lacquer on S.T. Dupont objects

At ST Dupont, the application of Chinese lacquer is a true art, carried out in three steps:

1. Priming: A first layer promotes the adhesion of the lacquer to the metal.
2. Coloring: A thin layer is applied with a roller, according to the desired shades.
3. Spatula application: A final layer is manually applied for a perfect finish.

Each layer is then baked for about twelve hours, according to a precise schedule, to accelerate the natural oxidation process. A multicolored object, such as a three-tone lighter, may require up to 200 hours of baking.

The technical challenges of Chinese lacquer

Despite its incomparable beauty, Chinese lacquer presents several challenges:

• Light shades: Synthetic resins are sometimes necessary to achieve colors such as white.
• Cooking time: Varies according to the pigments and finishes, making each piece unique.

These constraints explain why Chinese lacquer creations are so rare and prestigious.

The exceptional properties of Chinese lacquer

Besides its aesthetics, Chinese lacquer offers unique properties that make it ideal for luxury items:

• Fire resistance: For example, an ST Dupont lighter covered with Chinese lacquer can be exposed to a flame without deforming.
• Self-healing: A scratch or minor chip naturally disappears over time, thus preserving the beauty of the object.

S.T. Dupont and the tradition of lacquer

For decades, ST Dupont has been perpetuating the art of Chinese lacquer to create refined and durable objects. Whether it is a lighter, a pen, or an accessory, each piece is the result of exceptional craftsmanship and a love of detail.

Discover the ST Dupont lighter collection and luxury pens to admire this perfect combination of tradition and innovation.

Conclusion

Chinese lacquer is much more than a simple material: it is a true work of art. Thanks to its use by ST Dupont, it continues to captivate enthusiasts of luxury and artisanal craftsmanship. Explore the brand's iconic creations today and let yourself be seduced by their timeless elegance.