Vietnamese artist Chu Nhat Quang’s masterpiece titled “President Ho Chi Minh Proclaiming the Declaration of Independence” has officially set a Guinness World Record for being the largest single-piece “son mai” (lacquer) painting.
Guinness World Records has affirmed that Quang was recognized as the artist behind the world’s largest single-piece lacquer painting, following a strict verification process by independent experts.
The artwork measures 2.4 meters by 7.2 meters, spans over 17 square meters, and weighs three tons, according to a report by Vietnam News.
As confirmed by the British organization, it was completed on a single two-sided panel without joints and is the largest ever created in this art form.
Portrayal of independence and peace aspirations
The front face depicts the historic moment at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Southeast Asian country’s Declaration of Independence.
Which was followed by the creation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The other side, titled “Spring of the Nation,” portrays the triumph, peace aspirations, and happiness of the Vietnamese people.
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In the works for six years
Quang shared with Vietnam News that he began working on the piece in 2019.
Over the next six years, he studied historical documents and worked with experts, as he wanted to ensure his artwork’s technical precision in architectural, spatial, and symbolic details.
The work was completed in time for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).
The August Revolution marked the end of French colonialism in the Southeast Asian country and Vietnam’s National Day commemorates President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence.
Quang presented the painting at the “Spring of Independence” exhibition at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
The masterpiece remains on display at the museum.
First record for lacquer art
Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, standing vice-president of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, said that this marks the establishment of a Guinness World Record for lacquer art.
She noted that the honor belongs not only to the artist and the association but to the entire nation.
Oanh stated that son mai is a unique Vietnamese art form that embodies the patience, precision, and creativity of the Vietnamese people.
She underscored that beyond the size record, the recognition represents a milestone for Vietnam’s son mai, promoting its national artistic value internationally and inspiring Vietnamese artists to spread Vietnamese culture to the world.
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