Rating and value of Vietnamese lacquer panels

If you own a Vietnamese lacquer panel, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of Vietnamese lacquer panels

Vietnamese lacquer panels are very popular at auction, whatever the period. There are many works from the 20th century. Today, prices for these works are reaching unprecedented heights under auctioneers' gavels. They are particularly prized by Vietnamese buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €10 to €19,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Vietnamese lacquer panels. In 2020, a lacquer panel by Alix Aymé sold for €19,000, whereas it was estimated at between €3,000 and €4,000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

The origins of Vietnamese lacquer paints

Vietnamese lacquer paintings have their origins in the ancient craft techniques of Vietnam, dating back over two millennia. The lacquer technique involves extracting resin from specific trees, such as sumac or the lacquer tree, which grow abundantly in the northern regions of Vietnam. Vietnamese craftsmen have perfected the art of working with this resin to create paintings of exceptional beauty.

Lacquer was originally used to protect objects from the elements and enhance their durability. However, craftsmen soon discovered that the substance could also be used as a support for works of art. Thus, lacquer paints were born, skilfully blending painting techniques with the use of lacquer to create brilliant, luminous images.

It was the painters of the first generation of the Indochina School of Fine Arts who developed these techniques.

Vietnamese lacquer painting techniques

The creation of a Vietnamese lacquer painting is a meticulous process requiring great patience and exceptional craftsmanship. The choice of wood on which to base the paint is important. High-quality woods such as teak or ebony are preferred for their stability and resistance.

Once the wood has been selected, a layer of canvas is glued on to facilitate lacquer adhesion. Next comes the application of multiple coats of lacquer, each carefully polished before adding the next. This process is repeated many times until the surface is perfectly smooth and glossy.

The true talent of the artists lies in the creation of delicate motifs and images using natural pigments and gold leaf. These motifs are generally inspired by nature, Vietnamese mythology or scenes from daily life.

Meaning and symbolism of Vietnamese lacquer paintings

Vietnamese lacquer paintings are more than just works of art, they also carry deep cultural and symbolic meaning. Each motif and color has a particular meaning. For example, yellow symbolizes royalty and power, while red is associated with luck and prosperity. Lotus flower, carp and dragon motifs are common in Vietnamese art and also carry specific symbolic meanings.

Lacquer paintings are also used to tell stories and perpetuate Vietnamese legends. According to the country's mythology, the Vietnamese are descended from a dragon and a mountain nymph.

The living heritage of Vietnamese lacquer painting

Today, the art of Vietnamese lacquer painting continues to flourish, passed down from generation to generation by dedicated craftsmen. These artists strive to preserve traditional methods while incorporating contemporary elements into their work. This has enabled the art to remain relevant and attract a diverse, international audience.

Vietnamese lacquer paintings have become a symbol of Vietnamese cultural identity, and play an essential role in the country's artistic heritage. They are also appreciated internationally, both for their visual beauty and for their history.

As a result, Vietnam's lacquered paintings are a cultural treasure that embodies the country's history and identity. Their elegance, refinement and symbolism make them a captivating art form that continues to fascinate the world and bear witness to the artistic ingenuity of Vietnamese craftsmen.

Vietnamese artists such as Thuong Lan Nguyen are becoming increasingly sought-after on the art market, and the value of Vietnamese works in general is on the rise.

Dating your lacquer panel

The lacquer panels on the auction market almost all date from the 20th century, and were produced after the creation of the Indochina School of Fine Arts, founded in 1925 by the French colonial government, with French artists such as Victor Tardieu traveling to Vietnam in cooperation with Nguyen Nam Son, a Vietnamese artist.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a Vietnamese lacquer panel, or think that your object might be one, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your work of art, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.