An introduction discusses the work of Sir Henry Garner and extends Garner's work with a discussion of the author's own analytical techniques and methodology. Having investigated Zhou, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing pieces, the author summarizes his findings about bases and supports and the pigments, construction, and function of the black ground, yellow ground (Yuan and Ming pieces) and red and black ornamental zones (of carved lacquerware). He notes that many common pigments were not used because they are unstable in urushi. The paper is accompanied by many color photographs of pieces and their cross-sections and an appendix detailing the results of microscopic analysis and laser microanalysis of the pieces studied.