The Arrow of Time

Lacquer in Layers
An immersive, three-floor exploration of lacquer—past, present, and material origin.

This multi-level exhibition invites visitors to journey through the evolving story of lacquer, beginning with its contemporary artistic expressions and tracing back to its natural source: the lacquer tree. Each floor of the venue offers a unique lens on lacquer’s role in art, culture, and everyday life.

1st Floor – Contemporary Transformation
The first floor features striking lacquer artworks by three Vietnamese artists whose practices bridge tradition and innovation. Once considered primarily a craft medium, lacquer here is elevated into contemporary fine art, marking a critical turning point in its evolution.

2nd Floor – Cultural Heritage
Moving up, the second floor delves into the historical and cultural significance of lacquer across the Lanna Kingdom, Burmese Mandalay, Shan, and Siamese traditions. Through patterns, objects, and storytelling, this display reveals the shared lineage and regional connections woven through lacquer’s design and daily use.

3rd Floor – Back to the Source
The top floor brings visitors face-to-face with the lacquer tree itself. The exhibition compares two methods of sap collection: the traditional techniques of the Karen hill tribe and the refined processes developed through academic study. This floor reconnects lacquer art to its ecological roots, completing the cycle from material to masterpiece.

Together, these three layers offer a rare, holistic look at lacquer—honoring its heritage, celebrating its transformation, and grounding it in the living landscape from which it originates.