“Sac Son” exhibition: A tribute to traditional Vietnamese lacquer art
The exhibition provides visitors with an immersive journey into the world of traditional Vietnamese lacquer art.
THE HANOI TIMES — Sac Son, a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and the enduring spirit of creativity, is open to the public at the historic Ha Vi Communal House on Hang Hom Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter until August 16.
Three lacquered versions of the statue, "President Ho Chi Minh Reading the Nhan Dan Newspaper." Photo: Cong Tho/The Hanoi Times
Curated by the renowned artist Nguyen The Son, the exhibition brings together a diverse collection of lacquer works created by some of the most respected artists and artisans in Vietnam. Featured artists include Vu Xuan Dong, Truong Hoang Hai, Lai Minh Huyen, Bui Kim Hien, Dinh Van Trong, Ngo Thanh Bac, Tran Cong Dung, Lolo Zazar, and Tran Van Giap, among others. Each presents a unique interpretation of lacquer art, showcasing a rich palette of materials, techniques, and personal styles.
The venue itself is an integral part of the experience. The Ha Vi Communal House, with its centuries-old architecture and cultural significance, adds to the aura of reverence and artistry. Dedicated to Tran Lu, the legendary founder of Vietnamese lacquer craft, the site honors the memory of the Ha Vi Village artisans from the old Ha Tay Province (now part of Hanoi) who brought their lacquer-covered woodcraft to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in the early 19th century.
Visitors to the exhibition will explore a wide array of artworks, including intricate lacquer paintings and statues, as well as delicate souvenirs crafted by artisans from Ha Thai lacquer village, a renowned hub for this time-honored craft.
Artist Nguyen The Son introduces young students to the art of Vietnamese lacquer.
According to Nguyen Manh Linh, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hang Gai Ward, these works showcase the vibrant spectrum of lacquer art, where tradition meets experimentation.
A standout feature of Sac Son is its innovative blend of traditional lacquer techniques and modern mediums. One highlight is the collaboration between artist Nguyen The Son and Vu Xuan Dong, which fuses photography, lacquer, and a lighting installation. Drawing inspiration from the copper statue of President Ho Chi Minh reading the Nhan Dan newspaper, the artwork has been reimagined in three lacquered versions, each adorned with the quintessential Vietnamese colors of red, copper gold, and pearl gold. The piece commemorates the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth.
In a nod to tradition, artist Ngo Thanh Bac adds a fresh and tactile element to the experience by presenting a live lacquer tree alongside a display of lacquer-making tools. This educational exhibit guides visitors through the meticulous process of making lacquer art, from tapping resin from lacquer trees to refining, shaping, and polishing the final piece. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the complete lifecycle of this intricate art form.
At its core, Sac Son is more than an exhibition; it is a living dialogue between the past and the present. It honors the artisans who have preserved Vietnam’s lacquer tradition for generations while celebrating the innovative spirit that shapes its future. This is a cultural experience not to be missed for both locals and travelers.
