Why Sơn Mài Painting Is So Expensive | So Expensive
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ม.ค. 2021
- Sơn mài is a traditional Vietnamese form of lacquer painting. Created using a toxic lacquer harvested from one region of the country, it requires months of application and sanding back layers of paint to build up the image. Last year, a sơn mài painting sold at auction for $972,000. So what makes these paintings so special? And why are they so expensive?
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Why Sơn Mài Painting Is So Expensive | So Expensive
I love the joy on the artists face as he talks about the process
I think that's his standard facial expression most of the time.
Or perhaps he's got an overly positive and grateful attitude on life as a whole, considering that Vietnam is a country that has suffered from a great level of misery, poverty and oppression throughout its existence, which has gradually improved the past decades since the country has slowly but surely shifted ideological stances. That may lead to people feeling happy about growth and betterment seen in real time.
@@SerenityM54L2SAM5L5N1 Orrrrr, hear me out, He just really loves painting
@@SerenityM54L2SAM5L5N1 we are not that desperate and miserable.
In fact, Vietnamese people is well known for positive and friendly vibe, even in war era.
This artist, yes, I think he genuinely happy when talk about his passion.
I can tell how he talks of it considering I understand a few words
Wish I can feel that much joy about my art too
“If we only care about finding ways of restoring a tradition when it’s gone, it’s impossible”
He is so right! Isn’t that sadly true for every tradition that is lost? 😓
Yeah, just how sad. People are ruining the traditional then restoring it, rather than keep it at the first place.
@@acommenter4914 exactly! They only realise how precious a tradition is when it’s gone :(
Traditions aren't always good ya know? Like the fact that people used to despite each other so much in the past or also other ritualistic traditions. The thing is, tradition could be keept, but only if it does good to the comunity. Also, what is wrong on combining more traditions? Like other people celebrating halloween or chinese new year? Idk where i was going with this. But my point is, if that thing brings people together, to understand each other and accept each other as equals those things are good.
@@bluebeka2458 Bruh, chill out and calm down, they never said all traditions are good. We all know everything has two sides, they just mean that we should preserve good traditional values before they’re lost forever. Of course and obviously things like superstition and inappropriate riuals should not be kept or preserved.
th-cam.com/video/aSJmkLCPXU4/w-d-xo.html.
I imagine a lacquer painting is impossible to forge or duplicate.
Duplicate imposible. Forge, maybe possible
Actually, sadly, it is possible, many people have been using different methods to try to copy them, I won't name some but they are quite common to search for it. Even though they could capture the right shape, the duplicate copy will never be able to copy the smoothness as well as the depths of the original painting. This is something that make lacquer painting special, only true enthusiasm (not experts only) can tell the difference between a fake and real one because of their intense observation between the smoothness and the lines of the original artist.
@@fourdisconnectedcircles9386 the smoothness and depths? What
@@papasscooperiaworker3649 they sand it repeatedly = why it’s smooth. The depth is from it being painted in layers which creates these unique paintings.
Forgoing it is definitely possible but it would to much time like 10 years just to reach that guy's level then about 1k times of trial and error that means it would cost about 50k 100k dollars not including time so basically not worth it and your better of creating your own because it would sell more expensively
I see this with many niche traditions these days. Globalization is great, but videos like this really need to be produced to help promote and ensure the longevity of these timeless cultures.
Yep. As long as the cultural element enriches the globe, which this arguably does.
@@sophiayang6991 I agree
@@SerenityM54L2SAM5L5N1 the problem with "enriching" is that neither you, me or them are gonna agree on what enrichs or not. Culture and tradition should be cheerished and preserved by its people, regardless of being useful or enriching to anyone
Umm, the vietnamese discovered it in the early 20th century but it has been around for thousands of years.... She says so in the video near the end.. so they've been doing it for just over a hundred years!? Japanese are the real traditionalists!
@@inlangford no, it's mean using it for Sơn Mài painting since 20th
The way the narrator pronounces "sơn mài" sounds pretty accurate. Other than that it's great to see Vietnamese culture being globalized
Ikr lol
Đúng
Yes it’s very cool to see nowadays, when Vietnam got recognize for our art and culture
Yep
ye tru
Such a surprise seeing Vietnam traditional art form being featured here. The artist Phạm Chính Trung has such a pleasant voice. The way he emphasized the important of conservation at the end is so touching. Incisive without pushing the ideal on anyone. Even though Sơn Mài has always been mentioned when we talk about Vietnam artistry, I never know it was made by such a complicated and interesting process. Props to all the crew for amazing cinematography and well-research document. Hope this could reach more people, both international and Vietnamese audiences.
The artist looked really happy talking about his paintings process
Us artist love talking about what we do, I like explaining how much I enjoy a soft look in my watercolor or the type of paper I like. And a lot of the stuff we do doesn’t look enjoyable but that end stroke is so amazing, I do some pixel art as well and just finishing a complicated gif or pet portrait is a great feeling. I also like it when I send my work to someone and they ask where I got it, I have a whole series of shore birds I plan to frame for my younger brothers birthday they are the same kind of birds we seen on our first ever vacation and I’m excited to see what he thinks since part of his room is decorated in my creations.
@@boyinblue. I understand you, cause I also love painting seeing how it gets better and better by each stroke and putting our whole feelings onto a paper and explaining it step by step...nthg can make me more satisfied than that....hope your brother loves it💕
It's seems that's common among artists. Even the "dour" ones glow up when you ask them about their craft.
because painting is his life :))
Money is happiness
“Sơn mài”, sơn is paint, pigment and mài is grinding
As a Vietnamese, I didn’t know Sơn Mài is a unique/traditional thing.
Last Saturday, I visited Ho Chi Minh Art Museum, there’s a really big son mai piece, as large as the wall (200x540cm), and already recognized as the national treasure. It’s “Vườn Xuân Trung Nam Bắc” (Central South and North Spring Garden) painted by Nguyễn Gia Trí.
If you love art and love Vietnam, definitely worth a visit, the ticker price only cost 1$
The paintings is damaged, sadly, by a wrong restoration process.
That sounds amazing!
i visited vietnam and the hcm art museum in 2019. i have pictures of the artworks there, after reading your comment i looked through my camera roll and found the paintings you're talking about! i never knew they were son mai and the process of how they are made. so interesting to know now
How could you, a vietnamese yourself, not know that fact¿ It's common knowledge. How could you be so ignorant of your own culture?
Wow!!!
"Once it's lost, the line is broken."
Finally someone made the right comment!
Good thing it's recognized both as an art and a culture heritage. So it's a subject in the art university in Vietnam. The problem is, it is still something hard to master so not many students are willing to study the course.
Exactly those same words that remained with me at the end of video. Perhaps because he said it at the end of the video. :)
So proud to see any Vietnamese cultural items are presented here
I had the pleasure of seeing these Son Mai paintings in person many years ago. There was a quaint little art gallery near my high school, where I often wandered in after school hours. The gallery owner had the patience and kindness to tell me about each of the paintings, how they were made, and their motifs. I can assure you that these paintings are even more striking in real life. The juxtaposition of different textures, vibrancy of the colours, and level of detail involved is incredible.
Not long ago, I went back to visit the area for the first time in years. When I found out that the art gallery was no longer there, I was momentarily struck with an overwhelming sense of grief. I had a turbulent childhood and a rough time at school. That little gallery with the priceless Son Mai paintings was like an oasis, a window into a world of beauty and refinement. I don't think I'll ever forget it.
What a beautiful (but later sad) story! Thank you so much for sharing and for describing the paintings 🥺🥺
English title: “why senmai is so expensive?”
Vietnamese: “why sơn mài is so expensive?”
As a Vietnamese, i find it funny
Me too lol
Imagine my utter surprise when I saw the featured artist oh my god ahaha
He's a very well-known artist/art teacher in Vietnam art community. I saw him a few times at popular art gallery openings like Mộng Bích's last winter. I stared at him for like a minute because why did he look so familiar?! I rememebered after going home and felt so honoured to be in the presence of so many great artists.
*His happy while talking about the process and his painting success, priceless*
Me: Finally, no need translation now!!!
Me too 😁
vi sitter har i venten
ough spella lite dota
dịch đi xem nào
@@Houtarou_Hyouka_Unforgiven ???
@@Houtarou_Hyouka_Unforgiven visiters have invented sth :p
@@honganh1909 câu đấy là câu thủy điển mà
now this is the only expensive art i would really buy. not that so called blank paintings and abstract.
How about thanka??
True
Right!
Traditional art should cost more than they do in comparison to shitty modern art.
@@nunyabiznes33 what is your definition of traditional and modern? Your ignorance of modern art actually just stems from clichéd ideas that modern art is just boring abstract canvasses. Maybe educate yourself.
He needs a pupil willing to learn the craft.
I would but don't live there.
It’s cool painting but probably gonna take up to 10-15 years to perfect it
@@GGOWO even still to say you’d be one of the only people in the world able to create such works of art would be a reaaaaaally nice end result. Especially with how much each sells for
@@zacwoods I know but I don’t think anyone would wanna learn something that hard to create probably digital art is easier to draw
Ehhhhhh.... we have a university dedicated to this art. We gonna be fine
@@thuhuong8838 well only your country maybe a few hundred years from now it would disappear
My man’s rocking the crocs at 3:56
respect the drip
Yessirr
A true artist he is
This guy is so nice and friendly I can tell even though he speaks a different language
You're right!
"vietnam language"
SGY lmaoo
SGY ? I thought his voice sound nice..
Ngọc Nguyễn yeah
I have one gifted over 20 years ago 😮. Didn't know they were expensive 😳
I hope you still have it.
U should get it checked out to see if it’s real and if it’s expensive
Where's it now?
No , in vietnam they are not . Son mai between 20-200 usd . If it's inlaid with mother-of-pearl (tranh kham xa cu) between 90-4000 usd
@@kxnguyen3942 ye, son mai paintings are underrated in Vietnam .Not that many people know about it anymore.
too bad isn't it
"Cant dry in dry weather" makes total sense, i think the word your looking for is "curing"
He used the word "Ủ" which literally means "to cure" so yeah you are absolutely right
I’m not sure if it’s the final result or not, but at 5:48 you can see the depth of red and black colors while the surface of the painting is still smooth under the sunlight after he washed it. Just fascinating!
For anyone who wonders why toxic paints were used on wood, it’s not only because of the beauty of colors that they can bring up, but it is also similar to aging wood for construction; it helps protect the art work from being damaged by insects and humidity in Vietnam.
Now this is art. Not like the one that they splash a couple of paint on a canvas and claiming its art.
oh hell yeah those stupid crappy shiet toilette paper patterns I dont know how people call it art.
I've seen worse, like an unkempt bed or a literal box of shit. And people pay millions for those. That's the reason the common folk see it as money laundering.
As a kid who enjoyed making these type "splatter" paintings I disagree but Also agree 💯 percent. Was it
fun and kinda relaxing? Yes. Is it worth a fuckton of dollars? OH! HoneY! NOO
It IS art, but it's just not worth millions
@@nunyabiznes33 Um, it IS money laundering. You need to pay someone 10 millions illegally. How do you do its? So you 'buy' a painting worth say 12 million from an artist. The artist then over some time 'spends' 10 million, or wires to foreign bank to a country of his origin, or buys some property that the actual benefactor intended to buy and forgets about it, or do multiple layered transactions through tax havens. But eventually, 1p million, or its benefit, or something worth 10 millions, reaches the intended reciever. Sender (buyer) sends the money safely and gets bragging rights on a posh painting, artist gets recognition, reciever gets the money. Win win win.
However, sometimes it's just pure ego massage though, for the rich.
I can see his happiness in his smile and confidence and his self thought knowledge while explaining, and happiness of output
phenomenal paintings by traditional Vietnamese artists,no wonder why high auction price tags.
They keep saying the laquers are toxic, but the artist's using his bare hands?
I think the ingestion of it is toxic
They wanted to make it sound more special. In reality, oil paints, and most paints (except those made for children) are toxic.
I think the sanding process uses water.
Depend on each person. “Sơn Ta” the name of the pigment goes through tremendous process to remove its toxicity. However it react based on each individual as well, some people develop incredible allergy to the pigment just by walking thru a room full with it. It not toxic in the end but you will develop rash and runny nose if your physical is not fit for it. The art world in Vietnam even called this a disease of their own “ Sơn Ta allergy “. So yeah basically you have to be chosen to create this type of art
@blv no
I love how Vietnamese culture and traditions are now globalised and appreciated by many people around the world
từ hào làm ng Việt Nam ghê :')
Yes, i’m very proud of that too, thank you for this piece into the Vietnamese art!
Ahhh Phạm Chính Trung. He is consider one of the top lacquer artist of Vietnam
I remember going to a Vietnamese Lacquer painting exhibition may years ago. It was stunning. Truely items of beauty. Thanks for sharing how they are done.
I misread the title as "why is my son's painting so expensive"
Needless to say, I was hooked!
Lol
Rarely does my feed lead me to a video that is so educational as well as entertaining. I admire this guy. His last sentence was very true about how we must have more people that are interested in this craft now otherwise it will die. Oh man, I'm your Huckleberry!🤗
Everyone working hard to master painting
Tiktok: lets spin some paint in the canvas and called it an art
Throw in modern abstract art that sells for a billion dollars!!! Dont mean to hate but srsly, there are other arts (especially underrated ones like this), worth paying hundreds of dollars for!!!
I am an Indian artist struggling to sell my art, I am so happy that such an amazing art style is getting the recognition it deserves I know the pain and effort that each artist puts into their artwork so happy about it. As a last resort, I will be selling my artwork on eBay next week all I can do is hope that I sell my art for a decent price and I just aspire to be like him one day. thanks for motivating me and not letting me lose hope.
I love how instead of monopolzing his craft, he is trying to spread it and teach it, so the culture can remain. I have seen the same attitude towards the future from the vietnamese lady doing lotus silk. You gotta love vietnamese people for that!
I only hope he doesn't poison himself after 50 years of toxic lacquer and pigment :(
It’s a risk many artists take. A lot of art materials are toxic. There are safety precautions one can take, but it’s never foolproof. As an artist myself, I’d rather die from poisoning myself by making art than not make the art at all.
The sealant sprays I use cause organ damage and so do many other materials even the resin and 3D printing 🙃 I tell myself that at least I don't smoke
In fact we don’t have to sacrifice health for art!
Diff pigment have diff level of toxicity. I get headaches from using varnishes. Health is always more important than art, I choose an art form that suits me! I do watercolor art and avoided all toxic stuff :)
Check the other comments. Someone says they live in the area and many people have cancer, children suffer brain damages
Theyre being dramatic in the video. They "toxic" plant is actually sumac. Super irritating and tends to trigger allergic reactions in some people. The much, much more concerning ingredients are the stuff they're using as pigments, like cinnebar. And theyre just using their bare hands and sending it and what the hell are they doing with the waste water? I'd be more worried about mercury poisoning than irritation from the sumac resin.
You can tell that he is passionate about painting and loves his job
I have an incredibly old son mai painting from my parents made before the vietnam war, it was so pretty.
Sell it and get some money.
@@slowvuong6049 true actual 5head
I’m so proud to see such an important traditional painting technique from my country being shared more widely to the world! Thank you so much Business Insider!
2:19 that lady in the painting looks like she about to have a movement n come to real life. What a vividly manifique kind of art
it's essentially sculpture, instead of sculpting a block of rock he sculpts layers of paint on canvas.
On wood, exactly
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen. I’ve never heard of lacquer paintings but now I want to find a way to support this tradition. It would be such a shame to lose it
Not gonna be lost anytime soon
Many professional art schools/academies require students to learn this art now
"The process begins in the forests of Vietnam"
American soldiers: *I don't like where this is going*
I’m so glad Vietnamese culture is getting a lot more recognition lately
There is something very peaceful about this artist ... radiates the love and passion for his work ❤️
Man i was just waiting for these most expensive series
You can see the artists passion for what he does. They paintings are beautiful. ❤👏
@Heloise O'Byrne I was talking about his passion and his art. I get what you are saying. That is his personal choice and i respect it. Thank you for your input though. Have a nice day!😊👍
@Heloise O'Byrne Pretty lame to you but for cultured people who have an appreciation for the work and tradition that goes into an art piece, that’s hardly the case.
You seem so hell bent on the toxicity of this process, just exit out of the video lol
As a native, this is the first time i hear Vietnamese on this channel and it make me so excited
Incredible 😍 Didn't realise this art form existed until now but I can imagine the hard work that goes into making these pieces. The sale price should reflect this too 💕
Art is such a journey, many artist can tell you the moment they fell in love with art (mine was in a fifth grade math class while looking at a four petal flower printed on a cheap poster.) I hope we keep these types of traditions alive.
I'm Vietnamese and I am so proud when seeing video about Vietnamese people and culture. I saw Dong Tao chicken a few weeks ago. Thank you so much, Business Insider. 😍
How calm he is....!!! Like a true artist. Smile on the face, soft tone, hand gestures.... He really is a legend.
I love seeing him talking about how passionate he is about painting ❤️
this is like the painting version of film photography, unpredictable but in many ways, but holds so much more sentimentality ^^ it’s amazing! he looks passionate and happy talking about his craft, and that made the works he do much more valuable and unique ☺️
"sơn mài" literally means paint sanding
its sand painting
Wait realy ?
@@NgocNguyen-sq6cw well, when you dont acount for the text swaping then yes
bluestone animator i have 2 accounts this and a other have youko onmyoji pic
oh yes-
These paintings are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Look at that red.
now I understand this art exists.... thanks man☺
I love this guy, he has a charming and artistic voice and personality
I hope young Vietnamese artists continue this tradition of painting. Please don't lose your tradition, keep them alive.
*😱That is one of the most incredibly beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my lifetime!!!!❤️*
I love learning about different arts, this was soul stirring
Vietnam indeed has more beautiful traditional art that world needs to appreciate. i just discovered new designers from Vietnam and his works are✨✨✨✨
Were I a young artist in Vietnam I think this would be highly appealing. Beautiful colors, unique techniques. To many lost traditions can be gone just because of changing times. But that can be said about so many things in the world.
I love how happy he looks when explaining the process. Thank you for teaching me about this today!
Thanks for keep Sơn Mài has “ơ” and “à” 💕 love this video.
hình như mình không thấy kênh Việt Nam nào giữ dấu khi nói về những thứ đặc trưng của Việt Nam luôn
I would love to fully learn this technique. I have done something similar on a smaller scale, using resin and acrylic mediums, which was inspired by this style.
it would take more than years to fully comprehend it but nothing is impossible. You will have to move to VN to learn it full time! All the best!
This is what I love about Business Insider. Thank you for featuring these kind of arts and crafts. So beautiful 💖
The fact that it takes so long is what makes it so rewarding. I would love to learn this, sadly I cannot travel there. I love to pour my heart and soul into my heart. I would have no problem doing this for months. ❤ So beautiful!!!
Im from Vietnam and I'm still proud that my grandpa is an artist, I almost thought he is my grandpa he look so look a like, my grandpa is Phạm Thanh Tâm he had some really good painting.
Give us a series of So Cheap so that we can buy that stuff🙄
Better buy some cheap paints and make it yourself then. You are not only paying for the art but the history, skill and culture behind it. If you feel its too expensive go buy some beers and paints and make a mess yourself. Lol.
My completely astonished... This piece of art is soo unique and organic... Simply Love it... ❤️
Love the way he is so passionate about his craft 🙌🙌🙌
Is it just a coincidence that this is the fourth or fifth of this series set in Vietnam?
This is Season 6 of this series and its focus is on Southeast Asia.
It's easier to shoot a bunch of footage on one flight/trip than going back for multiple trips lol
Trying to knock a bunch out while they're there 👌
R F right, rather than going back and forth to the same place.
Why am i reading subtitles when i can understand Vietnamese lol
Because why not ?
This art is so beautiful! Shout out to the artist!
I now realize I've seen one son mai painting in my friend's house. Her mom bought it when they lived in Vietnam. I had no idea it was such a complex piece of art.
This is fascinating and beautiful, but I wish the video broke down the steps in more detail. I don’t really understand the process, the reason for sanding, or why the painter can’t tell what his painting is going to look like.
The sanding is so that he can thin the layer of lacquer on top down and reveal more details, he wouldn't know what the painting will look like unless he sand them down
Damn, I have been taking for granted the Sơn Mài painting in my country
This is the most amazing art i've ever seen!!!
From Viet Nam with so much love❤️
Sơn Mài and Đông Hồ both represent vietnam traditional painting
I'm the only person who read it as " Why my son's painting is expensive. "
Well Jokes apart ,But I really believe that this art is a master piece .
Me😂😂
I'm glad you guys keep the original Vietnamese name of the art. Great job Business Insider!
I really purchased 2 lacquer paintings when I went to Vietnam. Really beautiful work of art.
this is TRUE art not some i pissed on a painting and now it’s art bull crap
how many came here just by looking at the display pic?..
You thought it's horror or something?
Watching this brought me back to the days of early childhood, where everything was exciting and novel. An itch very hard to scratch so intuitively
Lovin' the Vietnamese representative here. This is very well-done and very informative. I'm truly astounded
I'd love to learn this craft
i will probably take you 10 years or more but that's alright if you truly adore it! Come to VN to learnnn
This was fascinating! I must admit, I read the title as "Why is my son's paining so expensive" and I was hoping to hear from his mother.
I would love to learn how to do this from him. He seemed like a great guy, so passionate about the art form and what will happen to it
Every piece of Art has its own wonderful process, you can tell by its creator who made it. ❤️ A great feeling 😊
My grandfather and uncle did this style of art. Yes, sometimes it's like rolling a dice and laborious. But the results are totally worth it.
You can look up one of my grandfather's painting with the name "Dawn on a farm", it is quite famous.
It is artistically awesome. Truly admire these artisans
If I lived there I would love to learn your beautiful paintings they are so beautiful and gorgeous.you have amazing talent.enjoyed watching you.thank you so much.
Great to know more about other cultures. Thanks for the video.
This is the true art not like those used to launder money shit painting
Very amazing little documentary. Thank you for translation and sharing. Cheers
Thank u for learning about Vietnamese culture.
First time learning about this.
Amazing art! ❤
he should document his skill and upload it on the internet so that if the craft is forgotten, interested people in the future can re-learn it.
Sơn mài is not something you can learn just by watching others do, ya know... It takes years to fully comprehend it and you should come to VN to learn it instead