Lacquerware Production
It is a craft that has never lost its appeal because of the beautiful finish and painstakingly detailed techniques of carving, painting and lacquering carried out on each individual piece.
The sap from the toxic rhus (or lacquer) tree has been used as a protective, decorative coating to timbers in East Asia for centuries and it gave the finished product a beautiful glossy finish.
Time and technology have made the skills a little easier but the basics remain the same. Each individual item has been shaped from one of a variety of timbers and more modern compounds, used in this craft before the exquisite design work is applied. Of course the traditional oriental design will always be sought after, however, the skilled Vietnamese craftsmen have shown amazing foresight in keeping up with the ever-changing modern design trends.
The selection of artwork and decorating accessories is extensive as are the techniques now used. The application of mother of pearl, cracked eggshell, gold leaf and silver leaf is a testament to the patience and ingenuity of their trade. The very modern sculptures depict the utmost in elegance and the vibrant colours definitely make a decorating statement. Each piece can take months to produce from preparing the initial surface to remove imperfections using layers of lacquer. Between each coating the item is allowed to dry and is then wet sanded before the next coat is applied right through to the final coat of lacquer. There can be as many as 12 coats of lacquer on any item.
AS ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE HAND MADE, THEY ARE SOLD AS IS WITH THEIR IRREGULARITIES THAT MAY OCCUR DURING PRODUCTION MAKING EACH PIECE A UNQUIE ITEM.
Samples of their work can be seen below:
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