Select a balsa wood box of your preferred size and shape. Pick out some objects to use to decorate the outside of your box, such as Chinese coins, flat plastic flowers, string and thin pendants. Common motifs used in Chinese art include dragons, flowers, birds, clouds, mountains and geometric designs. Arrange objects on your box and adhere with craft glue. Allow glue to dry completely.
Mix acrylic paint to resemble Chinese lacquer. Use black paint for black lacquer. Combine red paint with a small amount of burnt umber to re-create the color of cinnabar lacquer. Paint the exterior of your box with even strokes, being careful to also paint the interior edges. Allow paint to dry before applying a second coat.
Give your red paint the look of antique cinnabar with a wash of black paint. Mix a small amount of black acrylic with water to form a tinted liquid the consistency of ink. Quickly brush over objects affixed to the box. Wipe off immediately with a clean rag, allowing the black to stay in cracks and edges. Use a damp rag to take away more black if a less aged look is preferred.
Seal your box with gloss medium to protect your finish. Apply two thin, even coats of medium to get the highly reflective look of real lacquer.
Finish your box by lining it with rice paper. Carefully cut out your paper to fit the interior dimensions. Brush glue onto the surface for the smoothest application of paper. Carefully trim excess paper.
Clean your brushes with soap and water.