LOT 66
BUI HUU HUNG
B. Vietnam, 1957
Princess, 1999
Lacquer on wood
122 x 122 cm
Signed in Chinese characters and stamped with artist seal towards middle right
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Singapore
RM 50,000 – 90,000
Bui Huu Hung’s Princess is a superb example of the Vietnamese master’s celebrated lacquer practice, where centuries old craftsmanship is transformed into a contemporary visual language. Painted on wood using the traditional lacquer technique, the work portrays an elegant female figure whose poised expression and richly ornamented attire evoke the grace and refinement of Vietnam’s imperial past. Layers of lacquer, enhanced with luminous gold tones and intricate decorative motifs, create a remarkable depth and radiance that are hallmarks of the artist’s oeuvre.
Born in Hanoi in 1957, Bui Huu Hung is internationally acclaimed for revitalising the ancient art of Vietnamese lacquer painting. Since the 1990s, his iconic depictions of regal women have earned him widespread recognition through exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and the United States, with works held in significant museum and private collections. Princess, executed in 1999 during this defining period of his career, exemplifies his ability to fuse traditional materials with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in an image that is both timeless and captivating. Combining technical virtuosity with poetic elegance, this work stands as a highly desirable example of one of Vietnam’s foremost contemporary lacquer artists.