Lacquer Oriental is a varnish derived from Rhus vernicifera (varnish tree) commonly found in China and Japan. Lacquer Oriental was in use as early as 220 B.C. as coating for art objects. The technique of producing resin from the varnish tree remained secret for years. The latex of the varnish tree sets by a process of polymerization resulting in a material which is very hard and durable. The term also refers to a kind of sculpture where layers are built around a model of another material.