Vintage Vietnamse Torii Gate Lacquerware Wall Panel with Mother of Pearl Inlay. Measures about 39" by 19.25". Good condition. Some cracking on varish and slight scratches. Inlay is in tact.
This striking vintage wall panel is a quintessential example of traditional Vietnamese "Sơn mài" (lacquerware) and "Khảm xà cừ" (mother of pearl inlay). Standing approximately 39 inches tall, the artwork depicts a serene landscape featuring a prominent traditional gate—often referred to as a Torii-style gate—symbolizing a transition into a sacred space. The central scene is brought to life with hand-cut fragments of iridescent mother of pearl that shift in color under different lighting, showing figures gathering near a lush banana plant against a backdrop of distant mountains.
This craft has a heritage spanning over a thousand years, traditionally passed down through generations of artisans in villages like Chuyen My. The deep, glossy finish is achieved through a meticulous process of layering natural resin and hand-polishing each coat to a mirror-like shine. This substantial piece makes a magnificent statement in an entryway or living room, offering a touch of global elegance and a window into the rich artistic traditions of Vietnam.
This item is vintage, over 40 years old. While it appears to be in good condition, there is the possibility I may have missed a minor detail. There is some fine cracking in the surface varnish and slight scratches consistent with its age, but the mother of pearl inlay remains remarkably intact. In the unlikely event I missed a major flaw I would reach out prior to sending it.
