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| lacquer box |
The art of lacquerware (nghề sơn mài) as a means
of decorating objects was probably introduced from China during the first
century CE. The lacquer itself is actually the resin of a tree which is mixed
with coloured pigments and solvents and applied layer after layer to the
object's surface, producing a shiny and durable finish. Other substances, such
as eggshell and gold leaf, may be applied to the surface before the lacquer is
applied, in which case the finished product is sanded down to reveal the decoration
beneath. The high quality of resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, notably those
of Phú Thọ in the north of Vietnam, was a crucial factor in the rapid
development of this art form, which became very popular at the court of Đại
Việt during the feudal period. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes and
trays, some dating back to the Lê era (1428-1527), may still be seen at many
temples and pagodas throughout the country.
In subsequent 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 (khảm xà cừ) designs. Since that
time lacquerware 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.
Vietnamlacquer.com would like to introduce more
information of this kind of the pocduct which is famous and special in Vietnam’s
art.
