Vietnam to join multi-national bid for UNESCO lacquer recognition

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam approved the move on March 15 and assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to collaborate with relevant agencies and localities where the craft is widely practised to work on the dossier.

In September last year the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea sent a letter to Vietnam inviting the country to join forces in acquiring the UN cultural body’s honour.

Like in other countries, lacquer has been widely used for decorative and religious purposes as seen in handicraft items and objects of worship.

Since the early 20th century, lacquer has been used a material for paintings in Vietnam, an initiative developed by students of the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine.

The preparation of the multi-national lacquer dossier will contribute to the preservation of the traditional craft in Vietnam and promote international cooperation in intangible heritage preservation in the region.

Last year, tug of war was officially inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritages in a concerted effort of Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.