Uniquely in Vietnam, artists adopted lacquer as a paint medium in the 1920s, during Vietnam’s feudal era.

Sơn mài, or traditional Vietnamese lacquer painting is a lengthy and costly process. Not only unique in its fusion of local and French techniques, but also challenging due to the level of complexity and detail needed to create it. 

The technique consists of applying various layers of carefully measured colors and textures onto a black plywood board. These layers are made up of not only paint and clear lacquer, but precious metals such gold and silver. No matter the material, each layer requires drying and polishing, with specific layers polished more than others to make them more prominent. Fine sandpaper and a mix of human hair and charcoal are used to reach the desired color/layer

Vietnamese lacquer painting is a one of the country’s most impressive art forms.