Although Ha Thai village was not the first to invent lacquer painting, it is the centre of this art in Vietnam. It was initiated by Vietnamese painters at the Indochina College of Fine Arts in the 1930s (now the Vietnam Fine Arts University). They introduced lacquer painting techniques to the people in Hạ Thái village, and from then on many artisans were born.
Vietnamese lacquer has become an inspiration for artists in other countries like China or Japan to study. Each lacquer painting has a unique beauty. Enjoying lacquer painting requires thorough knowledge of painting techniques to understand the talent and dedication of artisans as well as the sophistication and creativity, which lies beneath the layers of colour. There are never two identical works.
Listen to the stories of craftsmanship as we admire the unique lacquer artworks. Making lacquer painting according to traditional methods and materials usually takes weeks, months or even years to complete. Within the scope of this one-day excursion and workshop, Mr Vu Huy Men will explain and instruct us to complete our work of art using traditional methods and substitute materials in a prepared 20x20cm red painted lacquer board (prepared 1 month before our visit)
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About FVH
FVH is an informal group of mainly Hanoi residents from many countries — including Vietnam. Their basic goal is the preservation and advancement of Vietnamese heritage and culture, and their purpose is to enhance and deepen the understanding of Vietnam’s culture. FVH functions as a non-profit educational group.
