For thousands of years, the sap of the lacquer tree has been among the most precious materials in East Asia. It is used to coat, impregnate, and colour wooden objects and ceramics, producing surfaces of exceptional depth, lustre, and durability. This special exhibition shows around 60 important Chinese lacquer works from the 12th to the early 17th century held in a Cologne private collection, complemented by selected works belonging to the Museum of East Asian Art.