The Selection of Mother-of-Pearls Shells for Inlay Lacquer Works Characterized from the Qing Dynasty

The application of mother-of-pearl for the traditional Chinese inlay lacquer ware during the Qing Dynasty achieved a high degree of design perfection with absolute unity. This material substantiates the development of art and technology in China. However, the inherent properties such as hardness, thickness, color and textures of the shells have subsequently affected the decorations. This paper systematically examined the physical properties and application methods from the two major shells applied during the era: the freshwater and saltwater shells. Experimental methods were adopted to reveal the role of materials and their suitability as decorative elements. The results showed that saltwater shells are suitable for intricate inlay patterns due to their higher hardness and lustre, while freshwater shells are more appropriate for large-scale, simple decorations due to their softer texture and thinner width. Hence, the research provides evidence for selecting accurate materials, thus offering new technical references for modern inlay techniques.