Although Xue insists on using the traditional handicrafts, he encourages new artists to innovate on the shape, usage and color to cater to modern tastes.

Xue has more than 10 students at the moment, but very few of them are likely to carry on his craftsmanship. "It is very hard for the young people to settle down and devote themselves to the art for years. They are usually satisfied once they have acquired half the craftsmanship," Xue says.

Liu Jinhai, one of Xue's best students, combined anatomy in Western fine art and freehand brushwork in Chinese painting with lacquer painting to create a more lively effect.

While traditional lacquerware pieces are usually ornaments painted with scenarios from myths and fairy tales, young artists are also trying new designs.

"We are still quite limited in the aspect of carryable functional products, so we are trying to make lacquerware with practical usages and simpler patterns to cater to modern homes," says Liu.