In addition to its artistic potential and inherent aesthetic properties, lacquer and leatherworks are surprisingly lightweight. East and Southeast Asian lacquer coatings produce a waterproof hard, durable finish that is very resistant to liquids and abrasives and is even fire-resistant. Leather and varnished works are water-resistant and relatively durable. With such inherent practical properties, lacquer and leather works were and are used for similar functions across multiple cultures and time periods.