From Tomb to Trend: Artistic Legacy and Contemporary Design Applications of Marquis Yi of Zeng’s Lacquerware

Background and Aim: With the booming development of the jewelry market in China, consumers’ demand for cultural depth and artistic value has been increasing. However, the industrialized production model has led to the prominent issue of design homogenization. Traditional craft arts, with their unique materials, techniques, and cultural connotations, have become an important resource to break through the design bottleneck. This study aims to deeply explore the aesthetic value of the lacquerware from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng and examine the innovative application pathways of its artistic characteristics in contemporary jewelry design. Materials and Methods: Taking the lacquerware from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng as the research subject, this study employs three methods: literature research, visual analysis, and field investigation. It systematically sorts out the artistic characteristics in terms of production techniques, decorative methods, color expression, and pattern designs. Results: The research finds that the lacquerware from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng demonstrates the composite application of diverse materials in its production techniques. In terms of decorative methods, the combination of painting, carving, and inlaying techniques showcases a high level of craftsmanship. In terms of color expression, it presents a unique visual tension. As for the pattern designs, they contain rich cultural connotations. These artistic characteristics, through cross-media translation of materials and techniques, modular transformation of decorative methods, symbolic translation of color systems, and narrative reconstruction of pattern designs, can provide inspiration and innovative ideas for contemporary jewelry design. Conclusion: This study elucidates the artistic characteristics of lacquerware from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, encompassing composite material applications, combined decorative techniques, color systems, and pattern narratives, offering critical insights for contemporary jewelry design. Through multifaceted approaches and modern technologies, the research conducts applied simulations for transforming these artistic features into modern design, which not only preserves the vitality of traditional craftsmanship but also imbues contemporary design with cultural profundity. These findings underscore both the aesthetic and symbolic value of traditional lacquerware while presenting concrete implementation strategies for its innovative adaptation in modern jewelry design practice, thereby establishing a practicable paradigm for the integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.