Vietnamese Lacquer Artist Showcases Culture at BRICS Conference

Vietnamese lacquer artist Tran Anh Tuan participated in the BRICS Artisan Bazaar in New Delhi, India, showcasing traditional lacquer paintings to promote Vietnam's cultural heritage and identity internationally. The Artisan Bazaar, held alongside the BRICS summit, is a significant cultural exchange event where artisans from BRICS member states and partner countries present their traditional crafts and cultural heritage. Vietnam's booth was prominently placed near the entrance, second only to the host country India's. Mr. Tuan, along with fellow artisan Dang Dinh Thuong, displayed his unique lacquer art. Mr. Tuan's standout piece was a painting depicting a "9-rooted loc vung tree" (a type of tree), which Tuan explained symbolizes luck, prosperity, and wealth in Vietnamese culture. This artwork, set against the backdrop of Thê Húc bridge reflected in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, elegantly captured Vietnamese landscapes and culture. Another piece featured the BRICS summit logo alongside bamboo and lotus flowers, symbols of Vietnam. Tuan elaborated that bamboo represents Vietnam's flexible yet firm diplomatic policy, while the lotus symbolizes the Vietnamese people's resilient spirit and soul. Described by the host country's website as a master lacquer artist with over 30 years of experience, Tuan has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting Vietnamese lacquer art. He established the Tay Ho Lacquer School in 2012, mentoring students from Vietnam and abroad. He has also been instrumental in cultural diplomacy, representing Vietnam at major international events like "Vietnam Day Around the World." Mr. Tuan mentioned that upon receiving an invitation from India's Ministry of External Affairs in early September, he and Mr. Thuong hastily prepared and brought over 70 kg of luggage, primarily handicrafts, to New Delhi for the bazaar. "From the first day, people expressed interest in buying the painting, but I refused to sell it because I wanted to display it here to promote Vietnamese culture and identity to international friends," he stated. Many international visitors at the bazaar expressed their delight with the handicrafts and the skillful craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans, as well as the country's unique cultural identity. In a press conference on September 12, Indian Deputy Foreign Minister Sudhakar Dalela, responsible for economic relations, described the Artisan Bazaar as "extremely impressive, attractive, and captivating." The bazaar took place from September 10-15 at the National Handicrafts Museum and Hastkala Academy in New Delhi. The event was organized to reflect India's people-centric approach and the "Humanity First" spirit during its BRICS chairmanship in 2026. BRICS was established in September 2006 and currently has 11 members: China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Vietnam is set to become a BRICS Partner Country from 2025, with the aim of contributing to and enhancing the voice and role of developing countries, promoting international solidarity, and comprehensive multilateralism in the spirit of respecting international law. Bao Thanh