The Artist

1937 Bac Ninh Vietnam

Dang Ngoc Bach has trained and been an invaluable teacher to scores of lacquer artists who look to him for his expertise and unique skill with this difficult medium that originated in Vietnam. Bach grew up in the traditional Dinh Bang lacquer village in the northern province of Bac Ninh and was an assistant to renowned Vietnamese artists such as Nguyen Gia Tri, considered the master of lacquer in Vietnam and Nguyen Sang, another one of the great masters of painting. Historically, lacquer was once considered only an incidental craft, however with important modern masters producing works, the medium is now regarded as important for future generations of artists. The Vietnamese government has now declared that it is part of the Vietnam Heritage esthetic and will develop a museum devoted to this fine art form.