Vietnam’s artistic legacy and history is alive and well through lacquer paintings, also known in Vietnamese as sơn mài. Originating during the Shang Dynasty (1384-1111 BCE) in China and revived in Vietnam in the 1930s, this art form starts with a base painting on a black board, which is then covered in layers of desired image and colors and clear lacquer, which are then polished until the colors are shown.
To honor this longstanding tradition, a series of exhibitions featuring lacquer paintings is on display at the Hà Nội Old Quarter Culture Exchange Centre in 50 Đào Duy Từ Street, marking the beginning of Chạm Nghề Phố Cổ 2026 (Touch the Old Quarter Crafts 2026)—a celebration of heritage crafts in Hanoi.
The interactive exhibit invites visitors to see the beauty of sơn ta—Vietnamese natural lacquer and techniques used in sơn mai. In an effort to preserve such history and creativity, the series of exhibits will kick off the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of South Vietnam on April 30, and the celebration of the 136th anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh’s birth on May 19.
The first exhibit is Sơn Ta Sử Tích (The Story of Lacquer), which showcases how sơn ta is created and uplifts its value. Alongside this are a series of panel discussions, hands-on experiences, and other exhibits at two key locations: the Hà Nội Old Quarter and the Hoàn Kiếm Lake area.
Visit the Hà Nội Old Quarter Culture Exchange Centre until the end of June to witness the beauty of traditional Vietnamese art!