Vietnamese Lacquerware: The Art, Craftsmanship and Memories Behind Every Piece

Several of my favourite pieces in the Temples and Markets collection come from Vietnam. I love them because every piece reminds me of Vietnam itself.

The first time I visited Vietnam and every visit since, I have been captivated by not just by the history, the beautiful people, the food and architecture but by the colours, the  energy and craftsmanship. From the narrow streets of Hanoi and Hoi An to the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City, there was a sense that beautiful objects were still being made by hand and valued for the skill that went into creating them.

That is how I discovered the work of Hương Ngà Fine Arts Lacquerware

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Hương Ngà has spent decades refining traditional lacquerware techniques, creating handcrafted bowls, trays, jewellery boxes and decorative pieces that combine ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design.

What is Vietnamese lacquerware? 

Lacquerware is one of Vietnam's most distinctive art forms, with techniques passed down through generations of skilled artisans.

Unlike mass-produced homewares, genuine lacquerware is created through a lengthy and highly skilled process. Each piece begins with a carefully prepared base before multiple layers of lacquer are applied, dried, sanded and polished. This process is repeated many times to achieve the deep lustre, rich colours and durability for which fine lacquerware is renowned.

Many pieces are then painstakingly hand-painted or decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl inlay, silver leaf or eggshell. The shimmering patterns and delicate details that make each piece so distinctive are created by hand, requiring many hours of work by experienced artisans.

The process can take weeks rather than days.

Not all lacquerware is created equal

Today, lacquerware can be found throughout Asia, from tourist markets to department stores.

Much of it is mass-produced.

While these pieces may be attractive, they are often manufactured quickly using modern shortcuts and machine-assisted techniques.

The lacquerware produced by Hương Ngà Fine Arts is different.

The intricate hand-painting, delicate mother-of-pearl work and multiple layers of lacquer require patience, precision and years of experience. Each piece passes through many hands before it is finished.

No two pieces are ever exactly alike.

Small variations are not flaws. They are part of what makes handcrafted lacquerware special.

When you purchase a handmade lacquer bowl, tray or jewellery box, you are buying something created through a process that values craftsmanship over speed and artistry over mass production.

Who buys lacquerware today?

Some customers have Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese or broader Asian heritage and immediately recognise the craftsmanship and cultural traditions behind these pieces.

Others are Australians who have travelled through Vietnam, Japan or Southeast Asia and want a reminder of those experiences in their homes. A lacquer tray, bowl or jewellery bring back memories of the country they fell in love with while travelling - Vietnam.

There are also collectors and interior design enthusiasts who appreciate the rich colours, unique finishes and handmade nature of lacquerware. In a world increasingly filled with identical products, handcrafted lacquerware offers character, individuality and a story behind every piece.

Memories of Vietnam

I am transported back to Vietnam with every piece in the lacquerware collection.

The sounds of scooters weaving through crowded streets. The scent of street food drifting from market stalls. The colourful shopfronts and hidden workshops where artisans quietly continue traditions that have existed for generations.

Each lacquerware piece in our collection is unique, and once sold that exact piece will not be available again.

They are not designed to follow trends. Instead, they are pieces to be enjoyed, displayed and used for years to come.

For me, that is what makes them special.

They are more than bowls, trays and boxes. They are small reminders of a country rich in culture, creativity and craftsmanship.

If you are looking for handcrafted Vietnamese lacquerware in Australia, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the beauty of this remarkable art form for yourself.