Objective This study aims to explore contemporary pathways for translating the leather-based lacquerware techniques of the Liangshan Yi ethnic group—listed as a national intangible cultural heritage—into modern evening bag design, and to enhance the adaptability and practical feasibility of traditional lacquer art elements in fashion consumer products. Focusing on the material properties, decorative patterns, and color philosophy of Yi leather-based lacquerware, the research constructs a four-dimensional translation framework encompassing material, structure, craftsmanship, and use. Through this framework, the study systematically analyzes the key mechanisms involved in transforming traditional craft language into a modern evening bag design context. The objective is to achieve a balanced integration of formal expression, decorative control, and contemporary manufacturing logic while preserving the core cultural significance of intangible cultural heritage, thereby providing a replicable design methodology and practical reference for the innovative application of traditional lacquer techniques in contemporary women’s evening bags.

Methods A comprehensive research approach combining qualitative analysis and design-based experimentation was adopted. First, through literature review and field investigation, the study systematically examined the material selection, wet-molding techniques, multi-layer lacquering processes, and the cultural symbolism embodied in the traditional black-red-yellow color system of Liangshan Yi leather-based lacquerware. During the design conception phase, a user study based on purposive sampling and quota stratification was conducted to analyze the usage perceptions, aesthetic preferences, and decorative acceptance of women aged 18-35 in banquet and formal social contexts, thereby defining design boundaries in terms of scale, decorative density, and color expression for evening bags. In the pattern and color translation phase, representative motifs, such as pumpkin-seed patterns, coin patterns, sun motifs, moon motifs, and insect motifs, were selected and transformed through graphic derivation and modular recombination to generate three differentiated pattern schemes, with proportional refinement and hierarchical control applied within the traditional black, red, and yellow color palette. In the form and craft practice phase, drawing on the "wet-molding and layered lacquering" logic of leather-based lacquerware, three medium-to-small-scale forms (i.e., round bags, envelope bags, and small square bags) were selected as carriers for evening bag design, completing a systematic process from material preparation and mold shaping to pattern lacquering and finished products.

Results The study yielded the following main findings. First, at the material and craft level, the untanned top-grain leather with a thickness range of 1.6-2.2 mm was verified to achieve an effective balance between structural stability and plasticity, providing a reliable material foundation for applying leather-based lacquerware techniques to evening bags. Second, in terms of pattern and color translation, modular pattern units and three combination schemes successfully preserved the cultural identity of Yi lacquerware while controlling decorative density; within the evening bag context, the black-red-yellow color system enhanced visual focus and ceremonial qualities through clearly defined color hierarchy. Third, in form and production practice, the round bag, envelope bag, and small square bag demonstrated favorable performance in structural integrity, decorative capacity, and process controllability, meeting the aesthetic and usage requirements of banquet and formal social scenarios. Fourth, through template-based positioning and layered lacquering techniques, the finished products achieved satisfactory consistency in pattern execution, lacquer film quality, and visual layering, confirming the practical feasibility of the proposed design pathway.

Conclusion The study indicates that the innovative application of Liangshan Yi leather-based lacquerware techniques in modern evening bag design depends on the systematic translation of material performance, pattern structure, color logic, and usage context, rather than the direct replication of traditional motifs. By adopting a design approach oriented toward cultural essence, craft logic, and product context, it is possible to maintain the symbolic meaning of intangible cultural heritage while effectively aligning with contemporary aesthetics and industry standards. The proposed evening bag design pathway achieves a relative balance among expressive design, craft implementation, and product standardization, demonstrating potential for broader application and replication. Nevertheless, limitations remain in terms of sample size and the consistency of hand-lacquering processes. Future research may further explore material substitution, craft standardization, and quantitative user experience evaluation to promote the sustained revitalization and market transformation of Yi leather-based lacquerware techniques in contemporary fashion products.