Baibao Inlay / 百寶嵌

"Baibao Inlay" is a traditional Chinese inlay craft that intricately embeds various rare and precious treasures such as jade, agate, and pearls into exquisite wooden or lacquerware surfaces. This inlay technique emerged during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), commonly seen in the furniture and decorative objects used by the affluent class of that time. In 2017, Baibao Inlay was listed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Hebei Province. The inlaying of precious treasures in objects symbolized social status and held considerable value in ancient times, garnering great admiration. Each component of Baibao Inlay undergoes delicate carving before being meticulously assembled into intricate and meaningful imagery. The craftsmanship of Baibao Inlay is known for its exquisite workmanship, elaborate compositions, and rich textures, reaching the pinnacle of inlay techniques. Scenic landscapes, figures, and flora and fauna are commonly depicted in Baibao Inlay works from the Ming and Qing periods.