Ordinary, but never plain.
Studio Partner
Gan Dandan
Wang Shaohua
Jiang Yuqing
We don’t have any fancy or dramatic stories to tell. All we have is a simple, quiet life: a group of people who love handicrafts, a table filled with lacquerware and gourds, and a belief that good work takes time and patience.We are just ordinary people, but we have chosen an extraordinary path — to inherit the ancient Chinese craft of lacquered gourds.For years, we have sat quietly at our small workbench. Day after day, we select, clean, sand, paint, lacquer, and sand again. The work is repetitive. The process is slow. The income is modest. But our hearts are full.
The heart of TAO GOURD
The name TAO GOURD comes fromthe wisdom of Taoism and the symbol of the gourd in China.In our culture, the gourd is not just a craft.It carries the meaning of Fu Lu —blessings, peace, good fortune, and longevity.It is a gentle wish:May your life be peaceful, blessed, and full.
Beyond the Gourd: Our Creative Journey
“Into what forms can a gourd truly be transformed?” It was precisely this question that marked the opening chapter of our endeavor. In our hands, this humble, unadorned gourd encountered the art of Chinese lacquerware—a tradition spanning a thousand years. Through layer upon layer of lacquering and stroke after stroke of intricate outlining, it was transformed into a one-of-a-kind artistic treasure—possessing a lustrous, gentle sheen and imbued with a living soul. We seek neither shortcuts nor mass production; instead, we embrace the patience characteristic of true artisans, dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to the intricate processes of carving, sanding, coloring, and lacquering. Within every finished piece flows the rhythm of time, carrying with it the warmth of our hands.
Voices From Around the World
“A piece that holds peace and tradition.”
“We can sense the soul in every detail.”
“Finally, handmade art that feels real.”
“Simple, beautiful, and full of blessings.”
A Promise from My Heart
What you see is merely a small part of the story. Here in our studio, the true journey has only just begun. We constantly explore the beauty of Chinese lacquerware, the spirit of the Dao, and the warmth of the gourd. We do not aspire to be a factory; rather, we seek to serve as a bridge connecting ancient Chinese craftsmanship with the modern hearts that cherish it.
On Sincerity & Meaning
To us, a gourd is far more than a mere object; it is a vessel—a bearer of meaning. Whether large or small, simple or intricate, each piece is imbued with the same measure of dedication. We pour our time, our heart, and our convictions into every gourd that crosses the ocean to reach your hands. Its true value lies not in its price, but in the significance it carries within.
The Soul of Imperfection
Our creations are not the flawless, factory-produced items of mass manufacture—nor do we believe they should be. You may discover traces left by the gourd’s natural growth, or the subtle imprints of the artist’s brushstrokes and technique. These are not "imperfections," but rather the very marks that define the soul of a handmade object. We hope you will cherish these traces just as we do, for they serve as proof that your piece possesses a vibrant, living spirit. As this lacquered gourd finds its way into your home, it carries with it not only beauty but also the warmest of wishes. In Chinese tradition, the gourd symbolizes *Fu Lu*—good fortune, prosperity, and peace. May this piece pass from our hands into your heart, and may your life be filled with peace, warmth, and endless blessings.