The Vietnamese Lacquer: A Millenary Heritage and Contemporary Artistic Expression

Vietnamese lacquer, or sơn mài, is much more than a simple decorative technique. It embodies an artistic tradition deeply rooted in the history of Vietnam, evolving over the centuries to become a major form of artistic expression.  This article explores the origins, techniques, evolutions and emblematic figures of Vietnamese lacquer, relying exclusively on academic sources.

Lacquer, as a material and technique, has been used in Asia for millennia.  In Vietnam, its use dates back to prehistoric times, mainly for utilitarian and religious objects.  It was not until the early 20th century that Vietnamese lacquer was transformed into a distinct form of pictorial art, thanks to the joint efforts of Vietnamese students and French teachers at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine in Hanoi.

Creating a Vietnamese lacquer work is a complex and meticulous process.  The base material, called sơn ta, is extracted from the sap of the tree Rhus succedanea.  This sap is processed and applied in several layers on a prepared support, usually a wooden board.  Each layer requires a specific drying time, and materials such as mother-of-pearl, shells or gold leaf can be inlaid to create detailed patterns.  Sanding and polishing between layers reveals unique depth and shine effects.

Founded in 1925 in Hanoi, the Higher School of Fine Arts of Indochina played a key role in transforming Vietnamese lacquer into a form of modern art.  Artists such as Nguyễn Gia Trí, Trần Văn Capfte and Phạm Hậu were among the first to experiment with lacquer as a pictorial medium, incorporating elements of Western art while preserving traditional techniques.  Their work has developed a unique aesthetic, characterized by complex compositions, symbolic motifs and remarkable technical mastery.

Nguyễn Gia Trí. Landscape of Vietnam. c. 1940. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

Vietnamese lacquer works are rich in symbolism, reflecting the country’s culture, beliefs and history.  Common motifs include lotus (symbol of purity), dragon (power and nobility), phoenix (renewal) and scenes from everyday life.  These elements are often combined to create narrative and harmonious compositions, reflecting the spiritual and cultural depth of Vietnamese art.

Today, Vietnamese lacquer continues to evolve, with contemporary artists exploring new styles and themes while respecting ancestral techniques.  International exhibitions and auctions regularly highlight the richness and diversity of this art.  For example, works by Nguyễn Gia Trí are on display at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Vietnam, testifying to the continued importance of lacquer in the Vietnamese art landscape.

The Vietnamese lacquer is a living testimony to the ingenuity and artistic sensibility of Vietnam.  Combining tradition and modernity, it continues to enchant art lovers around the world with its beauty, depth and cultural significance.  Efforts to preserve and promote this art are essential to ensure its sustainability and recognition on the international art scene.

Bibliography:

• André-Pallois, Nadine. "Modern Lacquer Painting in Vietnam." Routledge Encyclopedia of Modernism, 2016.

• Trieu, Khanh Tien. "Vietnamese Lacquer Art and Its Technical Interfaces of the Early 20th Century." Vietnam University of Fine Art, 2022.

• "Vietnamese Lacquer Painting: Between Materiality and History." National Gallery Singapore.

• "La laque en Asie : de la technique à l'art." GIS Asie.

• "Le renouveau de la laque vietnamienne au 20ème siècle." Société des amis du musée Cernuschi.