Vietnamese Family

1999

Title

Vietnamese Family

Medium

Lacquer on wood

Size

244 cm x 610 cm

Collection

The Diplomatic Collection

Location

The Embassy of Vietnam in Bruxelles, Belgium

Rights & reproductions

© Bui Huu Hung Foundation

About the artwork

The artwork “Vietnamese Family” is a time machine that transports viewers back to a bygone Vietnam. By recreating scenes of the past, it evokes a sense of attachment and the enduring strength of family foundations that have nurtured generations of Vietnamese people.

“Vietnamese Family” captivates with its nostalgic atmosphere, featuring characters from different generations. It portrays the silhouette of a woman in a brown áo dài, the caring presence of an older sister or aunt, and the innocent gaze of children. Wooden cranes, white lotuses, and temple pillars stand as symbols of the refined and steadfast cultural heritage that has remained with the Vietnamese people for centuries. Though diverse in appearance, the figures in the painting share expressions that blend solemnity with gentleness, embodying respect and harmony—core values of the Vietnamese family tradition.

The artwork “Vietnamese Family” tells a story of connection, filial piety, and the preservation of Vietnam’s cultural heritage through the lens of an old family—serving as a reminder of the fundamental role of family in both personal and societal development. Through Vietnamese Family, the distinctive allure of lacquer painting breathes life into a warm yet sacred space of Vietnamese culture—one whose roots lie in the heart of the family.