MY VIETNAMESE LACQUER

A DISTINCT SOUVENIR FROM VIETNAM

 

During my year in Vung Tau, Vietnam (1967) each night after work on Post I escaped to a curio shop. For the better part of one year I befriended HE who owned the shop. This Vietnamese Lacquer was traded with HE for a pair of Levis.

 

The packing company on base made a fine thin wood protection to ship it back to the States. Its girth was 106"..The maximum allowed as I recall was 100". What to do?

 

I distinctly recall the words of my friend "Ford" saying ' you can gamble and send it to Saigon. If it makes it it will travel back to USA. It did. On the day I called my folks from Sydney, Australia in late October, my lacquer had arrived in one piece.

 

For decades this  painted board has hung proudly on family walls. It measures 47.5 " wide and 23.5 inches high. It is signed Songho in the lower right.

 

The theme is Papasan painting a message. His white trousers, vase and other aspects are of eggshells. Gold leaf is found on the upper left and central motifs.  On the right is a series of huts. To say the least it is a unique Vietnamese lacquer.

 

GI's sent smaller lacquers home as I did and gave them away. I have never seen another such creation since trading it back in 1967.

 

Today, I began inquiry at the Worcester Art Museum seeing if they might be interested in this for their vast collections?

 

My research finds "Lacquer painting is a form of painting which was practiced in China and Japan for decoration on lacquer ware." I also shipped home small lacquer pieces such as a vase and pin tray along with other oriental souvenirs.

 

"Further, making a lacquer painting may take several months depending on the technique used and the number of layers of lacquer." Phuongnam.com

for reference.

 

"In Vietnam an artist may apply up to 10 layers of more coloured and clear laquer."

 

Talk about the spoils of the Vietnam war!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

E-5  91.P20 RADIOGRAPHER (& TRADER)

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585