Vietnam Lacquer Introduction

What is Lacquer?

Vietnam Lacquer Tree Farm

Lacquer is a natural resin obtained from specific trees, most notably the Rhus verniciflua tree native to East Asia. Harvested as a milky sap, lacquer undergoes a curing process when exposed to humidity and oxygen, forming a hard, durable, and glossy surface. Renowned for its exceptional resistance to water, heat, and chemicals, natural lacquer has been used for centuries to create exquisite artworks, furniture, and protective coatings. Unlike synthetic finishes, true lacquer develops a rich depth and elegance over time, making it highly prized in traditional crafts, luxury goods, and fine art.

Vietnamese lacquer, known as sơn ta, is extracted from the resin of Rhus Succedanea trees primarily cultivated in the midland provinces of northern Vietnam, such as Yen Bai, Phu Tho. While lacquer trees grow in various parts of Southeast and East Asia—including China, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand—experts from abroad consider the Vietnamese variety to produce the highest quality resin.

The resin of the Vietnamese Rhus Succedanea tree is a thick, milky-white liquid with a faintly sour aroma. It possesses strong adhesive properties, making it an effective natural binder. Once dried, Rhus Succedanea resin forms a tough, waterproof coating that resists termites, acids, seawater, and high heat. Though the surface hardens upon drying, it retains a subtle flexibility and elasticity that allows it to bond harmoniously with wooden structures. Even under stress or impact, the lacquer remains intact—showing no signs of cracking or peeling.

Lacquer Characteristics and Uses

Lacquer forms a protective film known for its excellent heat and electrical insulation. It can endure temperatures up to 410°C and remains highly resistant to microbial attack and acidic environments, offering long-lasting protection to coated materials. Its flexibility prevents cracking even when applied to twisted metal wires, and it stands up remarkably well to harsh conditions like saltwater exposure without deteriorating.

Thanks to these properties, lacquer is utilized in a wide range of fields:

Furniture and Woodcrafts

Widely used as both an adhesive and a glossy finish for household furniture such as dining tables, wardrobes, chairs, beds, and sofas.

Traditional Arts and Religious Decor

Plays a vital role in ornamental and religious craftsmanship, including gilded sculptures, temple decorations, ancestral altars, calligraphy panels, and ritual furniture like offering trays and antique-style cabinets.

Visual Arts and Craft Design

Lacquer has become a key medium in modern decorative art, seen in products like bamboo vases, lacquered trays, tableware, decorative lamps, and iconic lacquer paintings such as landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. This sector continues to expand with innovation and creativity.

Food Containers

Applied to containers used for transporting liquid foodstuffs such as fish sauce, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks. Lacquer coatings are also used to protect the interior of large reinforced concrete tanks, ensuring food hygiene and corrosion resistance.

Boat-making

Essential for boat-making and waterproofing the hulls of seafaring and inland vessels, including basket boats and small traditional boats.

Electrical Applications

Employed as an insulating coating for metallic wires in various electrical components and devices.

Story of Vietnamese Lacquer; Source: Asian Lacquer Craft Exchange Research Project