In Europe, Asian lacquers have been known since the time of Marco Polo. From the 17th century onwards the East India companies imported lacquered objects which immediately became collectors' items. Modification and assembly turned these 17th-century curios into luxurious 18th-century furniture. Already very expensive in their country of origin, lacquered products often became even more so in Europe with transportation costs and trade margins. Such lacquers were thus imitated in Europe. Painters in England, France, and Germany had been able to copy the appearance of Asian lacquers perfectly since the beginning of the 18th century. It remained impossible to duplicate the properties, however, because the basic material, the sap of the lac tree (Rhus vernicifera) spoiled during transport. Moreover, curing required high temperature and nearly 100% relative humidity making it non-feasible to work with in Europe. All European lacquer imitations had to use the oil and resin varnishes available in Europe.