Tianshui carved lacquerware, a time-honored traditional skill of Gansu province, stands out among Chinese carved lacquerwares.

It is known for having selective raw materials, refined skills, striking modeling, antique patterns, sturdiness, luminosity, and good resistance to acid, alkali and heat. Due to its high artistic appeal and applicability, Tianshui carved lacquerware is popular all over China and rest of the world.

Tianshui carved lacquerware was first created over 2,000 years ago. The techniques used in lacquerware carving include inlaying, carving and filling, color painting, flat grinding, gold painting, hidden painting, printing, bodiless lacquerware making, scribing, line gold stacking painting, and grinding color painting.

Over 300 colors and patterns are available for lacquerware making.
In 2011, Tianshui carved lacquerware was approved by the State Council to enter the third batch of National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China for protection.