Nguyễn Gia Trí: The Master of Modern Vietnamese Lacquer
- Cabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
Nguyễn Gia Trí, an emblematic figure of 20th century Vietnamese art, is recognized as one of the greatest lacquer artists in Vietnam. His work played a decisive role in elevating the lacquer from a simple traditional craft to a major artistic medium, both innovative and imbued with Vietnamese culture. Through his unique approach, technical research and ability to combine traditional art with modernity, Nguyễn Gia Trí has made an impact on the history of Vietnamese art and left a legacy that continues to influence contemporary artists. This article explores his career, style and impact on the art world, while also highlighting the evolution of his technique and his most famous works.
Born in 1908 in the province of Hà Tây (now integrated into Hanoi), Nguyễn Gia Trí showed an early interest in the arts. In 1932, he joined the School of Fine Arts of Indochina, then one of the most prestigious training centers in Vietnam. There, he was introduced to the visual arts while honing his skills in traditional painting, especially lacquer, an ancestral Vietnamese technique.
One of his teachers, the French painter Joseph Inguimberty, had a decisive influence on him. Inguimberty encourages its students to explore the possibilities offered by local materials and to combine Vietnamese traditions with Western influences. It is in this environment that Nguyễn Gia Trí develops a deep fascination for lacquer, which he will transform into a truly modern art, while remaining faithful to his Vietnamese roots.
Graduated in 1936, Nguyễn Gia Trí took his first steps into the art world by creating satirical cartoons for the Vietnamese magazines Phong Hóa and Ngày Nay. These drawings, while being of a sharp humor, already testify to his acute sense of social observation and his ability to use art as a means of critical expression.
If lacquer was once considered a simple craft technique for decorating objects, Nguyễn Gia Trí has succeeded in imposing it as a form of art in its own right, able to compete with paintings on canvas. By developing a particular lacquer technique, where he superimposes layers of lacquer, which he polishes or lets dry, he obtains unprecedented effects of depth and shine. To this, he adds elements such as gold powder, egg shell, silver powder or coal to enrich his compositions, thus providing a unique texture and visual rendering.
His first works in lacquer, created as early as the late 1930s, were inspired by scenes of Vietnamese life and natural landscapes, while introducing Western artistic influences, especially cubism and surrealism. These works are distinguished by the use of vibrant colors and geometric shapes that highlight the richness of the materials used. One of his most famous pieces from this period is the paravent Les jeunes filles dans le jardin (1939), a set of eight panels depicting idealized female figures in a lush landscape. This work is now considered a masterpiece of Vietnam and is kept at the Museum of Fine Arts of Vietnam in Hanoi.
In the 1960s, Nguyễn Gia Trí began an evolution towards a more and more marked abstraction. He begins to detach himself from figurative representations and focuses more on the intrinsic qualities of materials and forms. At this time, his approach becomes more introspective, moving away from the political and social concerns he had previously explored.
Nguyễn Gia Trí’s art becomes more experimental. Figurative compositions give way to geometric shapes and repetitive patterns that explore balance, symmetry and fluidity. Through these works, he experiments with the texture of lacquer, seeking to capture the soul of the material and transform each layer of lacquer into a standalone work of art. He also stated in an interview: "The works have no subject; the subject is the lacquer material." With this statement, he emphasizes the importance of the medium itself in artistic creation, a philosophy that marks his entire work.
Over the years, lacquer is becoming more and more a field of experimentation. Nguyễn Gia Trí uses new techniques to add impressive visual effects, creating works with varied textures, where the alternation of glossy and matte surfaces plays a key role. This perfect mastery of the medium allows him to produce pieces of great modernity and emotional depth.
Nguyễn Gia Trí’s artistic heritage goes far beyond his own time. His works continue to be major references in contemporary art of Vietnam. His influence is found not only in lacquer painting but also in sculpture and decorative arts. His research has set new standards for artists who use lacquer as a medium.
Nguyễn Gia Trí’s international recognition is also a fundamental aspect of his legacy. In 2022, his work Village Girls Among Banana Trees (1937), a six-panel screen, was sold at auction for more than one million euros, setting a record for a Vietnamese lacquer piece. This marks an important step in the evaluation of the artist’s works and the growing recognition of the international market for Asian art. Public and private collections around the world continue to acquire his works, thus preserving his status as an icon in the history of Vietnamese art.
Nguyễn Gia Trí not only transformed lacquer into a modern form of art, but also helped Vietnam make its name on the world art scene. Thanks to his innovative technique and ability to fuse tradition and modernity, he remains one of the most important figures in 20th-century Asian art. His works continue to fascinate with their beauty, technical mastery and profound cultural richness. Today, Nguyễn Gia Trí’s art is more than ever a symbol of Vietnamese identity and a pillar of the country’s artistic heritage.
Gauchet Art Asiatique offers its expertise to assist collectors, heirs or art lovers wishing to authenticate, evaluate or sell an Asian artwork, Whether it is Vietnamese lacquers like those of Nguyễn Gia Trí or Japanese porcelain from large production centers such as Arita, Kutani or Satsuma. Thanks to a thorough knowledge of the stylistic specificities and signatures specific to each era, our firm offers a rigorous, documented and confidential expertise.
Whether you want to estimate a lacquered panel, obtain professional advice on a signed work, or prepare the sale of a rare piece, our team accompanies you with seriousness, discretion and passion. This tailor-made approach allows each work to be fully valued while guaranteeing transparency and security of transactions.
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