The high quality of resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, notably those of the north, was a crucial factor in the rapid development of this art form. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes and trays may still be seen at many temples and pagodas. In centuries the use of lacquerware was extended to larger items such as wooden chairs and tables, decorated with engraved, painted or inlaid mother-of-pearl designs. By the 18th century important centres for lacquerware production in the north and in the south. As part of their strategy to open up Vietnamese handicrafts to new foreign markets, the French introduced formal training programmes in lacquerware at the School of Indigenous Arts near Saigon from 1901 and in Hanoi from 1930. Since that time lacquzerware has continued to develop into one of the mainstays of the Vietnamese handicraft industry, both at home and abroad. Today's most popular items include vases, jewel cases, desk sets, trays and vertical blinds.