For the first time, Vietnamese lacquer painting sets Guinness World Record

Representative of Guinness World Records Organization awarded certificate to painter Chu Nhat Quang

The lacquer painting "Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence" was recognized by the Guinness World Records Organization as "The world's largest monolithic lacquer painting".

The painting measures 2.4m x 7.2m, painted in one piece, without joints, depicting the sacred moment when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square in 1945.

Behind this masterpiece is an inspiring story about the artistic dream, love for the Fatherland and respect for Uncle Ho of painters Nguyen Thanh Tung and Chu Nhat Quang.

The first Vietnamese lacquer work recognized by Guinness World Records

Painter Nguyen Thanh Tung, brother-in-law and artistic inspiration for painter Chu Nhat Quang, on creating an exceptionally large, continuous lacquer painting depicting President Ho Chi Minh.

Chu Nhat Quang shared: “When Mr. Tung suggested doing a monolithic painting, I was very excited. Working on a single piece helps the lines and artistic intentions to be more seamless and complete.”

To realize their dream, the two artists not only had to be creative but also had to “think like engineers”. They spent many years researching and testing materials and wood structures, finding ways for the wooden frame to withstand weather and natural expansion while still maintaining flatness, gloss and colorfastness over time.

The entire structure is made from recycled, eco-friendly materials - a testament to the fusion of traditional aesthetics and modern thinking.

The work was cherished and created by artist Chu Nhat Quang and his brother-in-law - artist Nguyen Thanh Tung for many years.

According to lacquer artisan Tran Van Gia (Duyen Thai craft village, Hanoi ), the "frame" used as the background for the painting must be completely handcrafted through dozens of meticulous steps: from choosing wood, mixing lacquer, covering with clay, to drying, grinding, and repainting many times.

“With such large-scale, one-panel paintings, the work requires the highest level of technique and patience,” he said.

Not only a technical achievement, the painting is also a harmony between tradition and new aspirations. Art critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, shared that in the flow of national culture, lacquer is a typical material, the crystallization of patience, meticulousness and Vietnamese intelligence.

“Vietnam has had internationally renowned lacquer artists, but this is the first time a Vietnamese lacquer work has been recognized by the Guinness World Records. This is not only a record for size, but also a testament to the creativity, courage and spirit of Vietnamese artists who dare to overcome limits,” said critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh.

Vietnam Fine Arts Association awarded a commemorative medal to painter Chu Nhat Quang

The painting “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence” is therefore not only a work of art, but also a symbol of national pride, where technique, emotion and aspiration are blended into a profound message: Vietnamese art can always reach the world, when it carries within it love for the homeland and respect for the most sacred values.

A representative of the Guinness World Records Organization said: “This record was established based on the precise measurements of independent experts, thereby confirming the total area of the painting is 2.4m x 7.2m and the results show that this is the largest lacquer painting ever made.”

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/lan-dau-tien-tranh-son-mai-viet-nam-xac-lap-ky-luc-guinness-the-gioi-post817560.html