Vietnam : Learning Traditional Lacquer Painting

Open Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry : Paid

Address : Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Why to visit Learning Traditional Lacquer Painting

  • Lacquer painting is a typical Vietnamese art-a combination of harmonizing natural resin with skill and meticulous craftsmanship. Throughout the whole city, some workshops produce this lacquerware.

Here, visitors may sometimes be taken through, or may even join in, the intricate stages involved in producing such an amazing work of art. Lacquer painting was deeply rooted within the Vietnamese tradition, requiring more than one coat, each meant to be kept dry and afterwards polished for lustre.

A Workshop on How to Make Lacquer Painting

What to Anticipate?

  • About Lacquer Art: Understand the long history and meaningful value of the craft.
  • How to Prepare Material: Natural resin, eggshell, gilding in gold leaf, painting.
  • Layer and Polish: Repeatedly laying on lacquer and sandpaper for a perfectly smooth finish.
  • Practice by your hands: Proceed with making the lacquer arts and crafts with your own creations to take with you.

Other Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

  • War Remnants Museum: Come for the history of Vietnam—a very powerful museum.
  • Ben Thanh Market: lacquerware and textiles are found here.
  • Sail down the Saigon River: Take in the stunning view of the skyline during dinner on a cruise.

Places Nearby

  • War Remnants Museum: 2 km away
  • Ben Thanh Market: 3 km away
  • Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica: 4 km away

Visitor Information

  • Workshop cost: 800,000 - 2,000,000 VND (~$35-$85 USD) per person, depending on the intricacy of your work.
  • Average Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

Distance

From Tan Son Nhat Airport: 8 km (~30-minute drive).

 

FAQ on Learning Traditional Lacquer Painting

What is lacquer painting in Vietnam?

Lacquer painting in Vietnam, known as sơn mài, is a traditional art form that involves multiple layers of lacquer, natural pigments, and inlays of eggshells, gold, or silver to create shiny, durable, and intricate paintings. This technique has been practiced for centuries and remains an essential part of Vietnamese fine arts.

What is the traditional painting of Vietnam?

The most traditional painting of Vietnam is Dong Ho painting, a folk art form from Bac Ninh Province. These paintings use natural colors on dó paper and depict rural life, folk legends, and symbolic motifs with bold outlines and bright colors. Another notable form is sơn mài lacquer painting, which blends tradition with contemporary styles.

How much is lacquerware in Vietnam?

The price of Vietnamese lacquerware varies depending on the size, craftsmanship, and materials used. Small lacquerware items like bowls or coasters can cost around $5–$20, while larger decorative pieces and lacquer paintings can range from $50 to several thousand dollars for high-end, handcrafted artwork.

What is the famous painting of Vietnam?

One of Vietnam’s most famous paintings is "Em Thúy" by Mai Trung Thu, known for its delicate depiction of a young Vietnamese girl. Additionally, Nguyễn Gia Trí, the master of lacquer painting, created famous works such as "Spring Garden" (Vườn Xuân Bắc Trung Nam), a masterpiece of Vietnamese lacquer art blending realism with traditional aesthetics.

Special Tip

You can visit throughout the whole year, it is preferable to attend their workshops in the morning time for complete drying.

By LAIBA ARIF

Disclaimer: 

More Travel Tips from Vietnam


For Custom
Package

Connect Buddy

Just 5 answers for me, unlimited answers for you