Multinational dossier on traditional lacquer compiled

Ha Thai lacquer village in Thuong Tin District in Ha Noi has preserved its traditional trade for over 200 years. — Photo VNA

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has asked the prime minister to approve its participation in preparing a multinational dossier on traditional lacquer.

If approved, the ministry will cooperate with the relevant ministries, organisations and local administrations to join South Korea and other countries in compiling a dossier on the trade of traditional lacquer.

The dossier will then be submitted to UNESCO, proposing that lacquer be placed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Previously, the ministry received an invitation from The Cultural Heritage Administration of South Korea to participate in compiling the multinational dossier on traditional lacquer.

The activity aims to preserve and promote the unique values of Viet Nam’s traditional lacquer on an international scale, in addition to encouraging international cooperation in protecting intangible cultural heritage icons amongst Asian nations.

Vietnamese lacquer is a traditional handicraft that was first used during Viet Nam’s feudal era. Lacquer painting has evolved over time, especially during the 1930s, when artists and students at L’Ecole des Beaux Art d’Indochine (Indochina Fine Arts School) resurrected the medium, fusing it with French techniques and positioning it as a fine art.

UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity contains intangible cultural heritage elements that “help demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness of its importance.” — VNS

Multinational dossier on traditional lacquer compiled Related image(s)