Cong Zhijun, a Chinese artist born in 1957 in Hebei province, is a leading figure in contemporary lacquer art. A professor at the Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University, his career is dedicated to revitalizing ancient Chinese lacquer techniques, integrating them into a modern visual language. His works, often sculptural and abstract, explore the material and spiritual qualities of lacquer, creating complex and layered surfaces that evoke natural landscapes and geological processes. His work has received widespread international recognition, culminating in 2017 with his win of the inaugural Loewe Craft Prize for his piece "Da Tian Di" (大天地). This monumental work exemplifies his mastery in manipulating lacquer to achieve textures and forms of great depth, affirming his pivotal role in positioning Chinese lacquer art within the context of global contemporary art. His creations have been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions, consolidating his reputation as one of the most innovative masters in his field.