Traditional Lacquer Painting Workshop in Hanoi Old Quarter

Step into the world of Vietnamese lacquer art (sơn mài) — one of the country’s most distinctive and sophisticated traditional crafts. Originating centuries ago, lacquer painting combines natural resin, eggshell, gold leaf, and mother-of-pearl to create artworks known for their deep, glossy finish and rich symbolic meaning.

At this workshop, you’ll not only paint — you’ll experience the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

During the session, your instructor will walk you through:

The history and cultural significance of lacquer art in Vietnam.
How natural materials like tree resin and eggshell are prepared and mixed.
Techniques for color layering, texturing, and polishing.
The process of refining and revealing colors through sanding (“mài”) — the most delicate step of all.

Although traditional lacquer pieces can take weeks to complete, this hands-on experience offers a condensed yet authentic journey, focusing on the artistic core of the process.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll create and bring home your own unique lacquer-style artwork — a one-of-a-kind souvenir that reflects Vietnam’s timeless beauty and your personal creativity.