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Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar

Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar

About This Event

On 18 August 2026, Glasgow Museums Resource Centre will present "The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar," a free outdoor event that delves into the vibrant hues achieved by lacquer work, with an emphasis on cinnabar—a striking red mineral steeped in symbolic significance across ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Roman cultures. From morning until early evening, visitors can engage with various experts who will share their knowledge of this age-old craft, offering a fascinating insight into its historical and artistic importance.

"Revealing the secrets of how exquisite lacquer works get their vibrant colours. One of the key ingredients is Cinnabar, a bright red mineral, traditionally used for its vibrant pigment in art and ritual, symbolizing life and immortality, remarkably in China, Egypt, and Rome. Carved lacquer, which is mainly red, is often known as ""cinnabar"" lacquer, a reference to the powdered mercury sulphide as the crucial colorant. This advanced technique involves carving built-up layers of thinly applied coats of lacquer tree resin mixed with grinded cinnabar into a three-dimensional design. Join us on a journey of discovery as our Curator of East Asian Art Yupin Chung and Curator of Geology Ann Ainsworth lead an intriguing tour looking at a selection of superb lacquer objects and cinnabar to reveal the amazing art of lacquerware." FREE but limited to 15 spaces. Book your place by emailing museumbookings@glasgowlife.org.uk with the name and date of the tour your would like to attend. Image: Carved Lacquer Box 1907.21.I.1© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection

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Frequently asked questions

Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar takes place on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 01:00.

Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar is held at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre in Glasgow.

Entry to Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar is free.

Tickets for Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar can be booked via glasgowlife.org.uk using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

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Free Entry

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