LOT 76
TRUONG VAN THANH
B. Vietnam, 20th century
Chùa Môt Côt – The One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi
Lacquer on board
41 x 61 cm
Private Collection, Australia
Signed and stamped on lower right
RM 4,000 – 9,000
Truong Van Thanh is a 20th century artist and one of Vietnam’s celebrated talents, whose oeuvre is lacquer painting. As with many artists, their surroundings and experiences proved as their muse. For Truong, the iconic landmark, The One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, served as his, in this work. The arresting painting of the beautiful pagoda, meant to symbolise a lotus flower (the Buddhist symbol of purity) growing out of the water is a spectacle of brilliant colours. The pagoda is depicted as is, tall and majestic, balanced on one pillar. Foliage envelops the pagoda, portraying an almost Eden-like scene. This revered temple was built on the command of Emperor Ly Thai Tong in 1049 as a means of thanksgiving dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara for being bestowed with a son. The One Pillar Pagoda, built from wood and on a single stone pillar of 1.25 metres in diameter and 4 metres in height was also where the annual Vesak by the monarch (birthday of Buddha) took place.