Receiving Guinness World Record for lacquer painting “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence”

The work “Uncle Ho Reading the Declaration of Independence” by painter Chu Nhat Quang, measuring 2.4m x 7.2m, weighing 3 tons, painted on both sides, was recognized by the Guinness World Records Organization as “The world's largest monolithic lacquer painting”.

On October 11, at the Ho Chi Minh Museum (Hanoi), the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the family of painter Chu Nhat Quang held a ceremony to receive the Guinness World Record for the work "Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence" - established as "The world's largest monolithic lacquer painting".

Ceremony to receive the Guinness World Record for the painting "Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence". Photo: T.Tung

Party Central Committee member, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh attended and congratulated the authors.

The pride of Vietnamese fine arts

The work “Uncle Ho Reading the Declaration of Independence” was made by artist Chu Nhat Quang, with the technical assistance of artist Nguyen Thanh Tung. The painting is made of lacquer, 2.4m high, 7.2m long, weighs 3 tons and is painted on two sides. One side depicts the moment Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945. The other side is titled “National Spring”, depicting the image of the people of the whole country joyfully celebrating Independence Day.

"Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence". Photo: T.Tung

Speaking at the record reception ceremony, art critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, expressed her emotion and pride when a Vietnamese painting was officially recognized by the World Record Union as the world's largest realistic lacquer painting.

Art critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, speaks. Photo: T.Tung

“We have had internationally renowned lacquer painters, but this is the first time a Vietnamese lacquer work has been recognized by the Guinness World Records. In particular, this is also the first time the Guinness World Records has recognized a record for a lacquer painting,” critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh emphasized.

According to the Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, the work not only recreates a sacred moment in history – the moment when Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence – but also demonstrates the connection between history, culture and modern creativity. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese fine arts to be promoted more widely in the international arena, encouraging the young generation of artists to continue to nurture their creative aspirations and honor national cultural values.

Representative of Guinness World Records Organization awarded certificate to artist. Photo: T.Tung

At the ceremony, a representative of the Guinness World Organization said that this record was established based on the precise measurements of independent experts, thereby confirming the total area of ​​the painting to be 2.4m x 7.2m and the results showed that this is the largest lacquer painting ever made.

At the event, art critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, on behalf of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, presented the Commemorative Medal to painter Chu Nhat Quang.

Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh presented the Vietnam Fine Arts Association's Commemorative Medal to painter Chu Nhat Quang. Photo: T.Tung

Resonance of patriotism and lasting creativity

The work “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence” is the largest painting in the exhibition “Independence Spring” by artist Chu Nhat Quang taking place at the Ho Chi Minh Museum to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2. The work was completed from a passionate creative journey, expressing the spirit of honoring President Ho Chi Minh and the national cultural heritage through the traditional Vietnamese painting material – lacquer.

Delegates enjoy the work "Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence". Photo: T. Tung

Painter Nguyen Thanh Tung - brother-in-law of painter Chu Nhat Quang, who inspired artist Chu Nhat Quang, had a bold dream of creating exceptionally large-sized lacquer paintings, in one piece, without cutting or pasting, to tell historical stories and depict the image of the beloved leader - President Ho Chi Minh.

Artist Chu Nhat Quang shared: “When artist Nguyen Thanh Tung suggested doing a large-scale lacquer painting project on a single panel, I was really excited. Because most large-scale paintings in the past had to be assembled from many small panels. Working on a single panel, all lines and artistic intentions will be seamless, consistent and more complete.”

Delegates at the reception ceremony. Photo: T.Tung

To realize the dream, the two artists are both artists and technicians. Artist Nguyen Thanh Tung researched the structure of materials from wooden airplane wings, ship hulls to traditional drums, to create a special skeleton system for the giant lacquer panel. The entire structure is made from recycled materials, ensuring durability, environmental friendliness and the ability to expand naturally.

Artist Chu Nhat Quang searched for materials for the work, visited many historical sites, consulted historians and met local people to get a sense of space and true emotions to paint the work. According to artist Chu Nhat Quang, the work "Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence" was made in 2019.

Painter Chu Nhat Quang (born in 1995) comes from an artistic family, graduated in the US and Australia, and is a typical face of the young generation of painters attached to lacquer art.

In 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day, he successfully organized the exhibition "Sacred Marks" at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, with 52 large-scale lacquer paintings on the theme of heritage and country.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and National Day September 2, painter Chu Nhat Quang has an exhibition of paintings "Independence Spring" at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, with 17 elaborately created works vividly recreating historical stages, glorious victories of the nation and unique images of President Ho Chi Minh.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/don-nhan-ky-luc-guiness-the-gioi-cho-buc-tranh-son-mai-bac-ho-doc-tuyen-ngon-doc-lap-719305.html