The sap of the shrubby tree Rhus vernicifera has been referred to as the most ancient industrial plastic known to man. Objects covered with a polymerized film of the sap have been used for at least 3700 years. Material having this extremely durable, often highly decorative coating ranges from utilitarian pieces such as boxes, trays, cups, etc., to furniture, armor, masks, and sculpture. Technical examination produces information that can be used to determine the composition of materials and methods of manufacture, which sometimes indicate where and when the lacquer object was made. Further, the results may also provide guidance when considering conservation or restoration treatment if the object is damaged. Analytical techniques have included atomic absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectrophotometry, thin-layer chromatography, differential thermal analysis, emission spectroscopy, x-ray radiography, optical and scanning electron microscopy and mass spectroscopy. These methods and results were reviewed. In addition, new methods were discussed, including the use of energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence, scanning photoacoustical microscopy, laser microprobe, non-destructive infrared spectrophotometry, proton induced x-ray emission spectroscopy and infrared reflectography. Results from museum objects illustrated the use of all experimental methods.