As early as the sixth century, carved lacquerware had already appeared in China. Usually a work must be given more than 30 coats of red lacquer, and then it is carved after drying in darkness. Carved lacquerware has always been regarded as a precious gift. In the past, however, lacquerware was only used in the palace; today common people enjoy its beauty and utility. The Beijing Carved Lacquerware Mill is reputed for its quality products, most of which find ready sale on the international market. Masters and students—most of whom are women—have played an important role in the development of carved lacquerware. As a early as the sixth century, carved lacquerware had already appeared in China. Usually a work must be given more than 30 coats of red lacquer, and then it is carved after drying in darkness. Carved lacquerware has always been sought as a precious gift. In the past, however, lacquerware was only used in the palace; today common people enjoy its beauty and utility. The Beijing Carved Lacquerware Mill is reputed for its quality products, most of which find ready sale on the international market. Masters and students- most of whom are women-have played an important role in the development of carved lacquerware.