The painting measures 2.4 by 7.2 metres, covering more than 17 square metres and weighing three tonnes. It was created on a single double-sided panel without joints. The front recreates the historic moment of September 2, 1945 at Ba Dinh Square, when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. The reverse, entitled “Spring of the Nation,” symbolises the joy, hope for peace, and happiness of the Vietnamese people.
The Guinness recognition came just one day after the official appraisal ceremony for the work, jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association, and Vietcom Global Commodity Exchange Joint Stock Company.
The painting is being showcased in the exhibition “Spring of Independence” alongside 16 other lacquer works, marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2) at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ha Noi. Sharing his joy upon receiving the news from Guinness World Records, painter Nguyen Thanh Tung, who has supported Chu Nhat Quang throughout his creative journey, remarked: “This work is unprecedented: a monumental and single-panel lacquer painting with no assembly. Guinness World Records’ recognition is a powerful affirmation of the resilience and stature of Vietnamese lacquer art on the global fine arts map.”
Reflecting on his six-year creative journey, artist Chu Nhat Quang said: “It was a challenging path—from gathering historical materials and sketching, to overcoming technical difficulties in handling, transporting, and working on a multi-tonne lacquer panel. Throughout the process, I received invaluable support from my family and painter Nguyen Thanh Tung, especially in experimenting with recycled materials combined with traditional lacquer techniques.”
Viewing the painting at the “Spring of Independence” exhibition, poet Nguyen Khoa Diem, former Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee (PCC), and Head of the PCC’s Ideology and Culture Commission, said: “The work reflects the artist’s tireless search for creativity in both medium and subject. Creating such a monumental work in lacquer is immensely difficult, requiring devotion and talent. Its international recognition as a world record is not only a proud moment for the artist community but also for all lovers of Vietnamese painting.
The Guinness World Record awarded to Chu Nhat Quang’s lacquer masterpiece “President Ho Chi Minh Reading the Declaration of Independence” is more than an individual honour. It is a milestone that inscribes Vietnamese fine arts on the global record map, with a unique work of lacquer internationally recognized - a historic achievement affirming the creativity, resilience, and national pride of Viet Nam’s young generation of artists.
