The remarks were made by Cao Xuan Hai, CEO and Founder of HINOKI TAMASHI Vietnam. On the occasion of his visit to Hue to attend the recently held talk “The Journey of Vietnamese Lacquer from Heritage to the Future 1930 - 2030,” he took time to speak with the correspondent of Hue Ngay Nay Cuoi Tuan (Hue Today Weekly), sharing an engaging story about the potential to become Vietnam’s hub for lacquer art creativity.

Artisan of lacquer and gilding Bui Van Trinh has recently been honored with the title of Meritorious Artisan, awarded by the President, marking more than thirty-five years of dedication to preserving national cultural heritage in the field of handicrafts. Yet, for him, the greatest joy has always been the moment of contemplating a completed work, shimmering with lacquer and gold under his own hands.

Lacquer art is not only the pride of the nation’s fine arts, but also an invaluable cultural heritage. This assertion was emphasized by many experts at the seminar “The journey of Vietnamese lacquer from heritage to the future (1930 - 2030)”.

“Vang son ky my – the essence of Vietnamese craftsmanship” is something that photographer Nguyen Phong is particularly passionate about as he introduced to Thua Thien Hue Weekly a series of photos showcasing “the golden hands” of artisans perfecting the process of applying gold leaf and lacquer to the columns of Thai Hoa Palace.