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VIETNAMESE LACQUER ART

History

- Lacquer painting started in 16th century Vietnam in Hà Vĩ village (Hà Tây).

- Originally, lacquer was used for decorating household objects, furniture and religious sculptures.

17th century sculptures at Mía temple, Đường Lâm, Hanoi

From decorative to Fine Arts

• In 1925, the Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de L'Indochine was established in Hanoi.

• Professors saw the potential of lacquer as a painting medium and encouraged students to pursue “sơn mài”.

• Notable alumnus include Nguyễn Gia Trí, Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm and Nguyễn Sáng.

Materials

Brown - Plain Red - Vermillion

Black – Powdered Iron oxide

Gold – Gold leaf/powder

Traditionally, there are 4 main colours, made from the resin of the wax tree mixed with pigments:

MaterialsAfter the 20th century, many new materials have been discovered, experimented and used by artists :

Egg shells

Mother of Pearl

Synthetic

Pigments

techniques1) The background layer of paint is smoothly covered on a wooden surface.

2) Different layers of paint with different colours are painted on top of each other.

3) The painting surface is abraded to reveal different layers of paint.

4) Embellishments and ornaments are attached to the painting.

5) The final product is varnished and polished until it reaches the desired smoothness and glossiness.

Thánh Gióng- 1982- Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm

Village in rain, 2010 – Văn Dương Thành

Quan Chưởng gate in sunlight, 2010 – Văn Dương Thành

CONCLUSIONS• With a rich history, lacquer is a

uniquely Vietnamese painting medium which can produce unparalleled depth.

• Lacquer can be applied widely as decorations for household objects, furniture and architectural elements.

• Lacquer can be introduced internationally as a recreational activity and field of study. Country landcape,

1939, Nguyễn Gia Trí

The end

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Dọc mùng, 1939, Nguyễn Gia Trí