Lacquer ware refers to brightly coloured wooden items finished with a natural lac coating, produced by turning soft wood on a lathe and applying pigmented lacquer sticks while the wood spins. The technique, closely related to the well-known Ettikoppaka style of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, has found practitioners in parts of Kerala producing toys, bowls and small containers.
The lac used is a natural resin derived from the secretion of the lac insect, coloured with mineral or vegetable dyes and applied under friction heat generated by the spinning lathe. This gives finished pieces a smooth, glossy surface and vivid colour that has made lacquer toys popular gift items.
How It Is Made
A block of soft wood is mounted on a manually or electrically powered lathe and shaped using hand tools as it spins. Coloured lac sticks are pressed against the spinning wood, and the friction heat melts the lac, allowing it to coat the surface evenly.
- Soft, easily turned wood is selected and cut into blanks
- The wood is shaped on a lathe using chisels while rotating
- Coloured lac sticks are applied directly to the spinning surface
- The coated item is polished with a cloth or leaf to bring out the shine
Small toys or containers can typically be completed within a day, given the relatively quick lathe-turning process.
A Craft Inspired by Regional Lathe Traditions
While lathe-turned lacquer craft is most famously associated with Ettikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh, similar lac-coating techniques have been adopted by wood-turning artisans in parts of Kerala, often producing toys and containers for regional handicraft markets. The craft values bright, child-friendly colours and simple rounded forms.
- Techniques and colour palettes draw influence from established lac-turning centres in South India
- Products are popular as toys, home décor and festival gift items
- Artisans often use natural dyes to keep the lacquer non-toxic for children's toys
The craft remains a smaller niche within Kerala's broader handicraft landscape compared to older indigenous traditions.
Where to See and Buy Lacquer Ware
Lacquer ware items are available through Kerala's government emporiums such as SMSM Institute and Surabhi outlets, and are often featured at regional handicraft fairs and exhibitions. Buyers should ask specifically about the wood and lac used, since quality varies between artisan sources.
- Check for a smooth, even lac coating without cracks or peeling
- Ask if the dyes used are non-toxic, particularly for children's toys
- Bright colours should look natural rather than overly plastic-like, which can indicate synthetic paint instead of lac
Traveller Tips
- Ask whether the coating is genuine natural lac or synthetic paint before buying
- For children's toys, confirm that non-toxic dyes were used in the lacquer
- Inspect the coating for smoothness and absence of cracks, which indicates skilled application
- Lacquer items are generally lightweight and travel well when padded properly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lac made from?
Lac is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, coloured with mineral or vegetable dyes for use as a coating.
Is lacquer ware craft native to Kerala?
The lathe-turning lacquer technique is more closely associated with Ettikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh, but it has been adopted by artisan clusters in parts of Kerala.
What items are typically made using this technique?
Toys, small containers, decorative bowls and furniture accents are commonly made using lathe-turned lacquer craft.
Is lacquer ware safe for children's toys?
When made with natural, non-toxic dyes, lacquer-coated wooden toys are generally considered safe, though it is best to confirm with the seller.
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