Excavations at the Anyang archaeological site have uncovered a massive 3,000-year-old Shang Dynasty factory specializing in bronze-inlaid lacquer furniture. The site features a series of deep vats used for processing raw lacquer resin and a collection of specialized bone tools used for the delicate task of embedding thin bronze motifs into wood surfaces.
This industrial complex reveals the intense demand for high-status luxury goods within the Shang elite class. The discovery of partially finished furniture pieces provides a step-by-step look at the complex assembly process, from the initial wood carving to the final application of protective and decorative layers.