L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts De L'Indochine

Estate of the French General in Indochina

The double sided ten panel lacquers are in good condition overall. The lacquer is crack-free and warp-free. Upon close observation, there are light abrasions located on the first panel (upper left and middle area), second panel (upper left and middle area), third panel (top register), fourth panel (middle), fifth panel (upper left), seventh panel (middle), eighth panel (top register), ninth panel (top and middle area) and tenth panel (top register). Along with a pin-size paint loss on the third panel (bottom register) and a minute hole on the sixth panel (upper register). Under ultraviolet light inspection restoration was found on the first panel (lower right) and eight panel (upper left). On the verso, there are minor abrasions on the third panel (middle), forth panel (lower register), sixth panel (middle) and eighth panel (upper quadrant). Along with a minute hole on the lower right. There are evidence of a minute paint loss which is found on the eighth panel (bottom register) and tenth panel (upper register and lower left corner). Examination under ultraviolet light reveals light spots of restoration on the third panel (upper left), seventh panel (upper and lower left register), eighth panel (upper left) and tenth panel (lower left).
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In the 20th century, lacquer painting was not commonly practiced in Vietnam. Under the tutelage of Joseph Ingumberty and Evariste Jonchère, students from the Fine Arts School in Hanoi were encouraged to experiment with the medium. Students were taught the intricate skills and techniques of inlaying and painting on a complex medium, such as lacquer. It was not until the 1930s to 1940s that Vietnamese artists honed the artistry of Coromandel lacquer and became Southeast Asia’s masters of the medium.

The present work (Lot 296) is a significant double-sided ten-panel lacquer screen, which was completed by a collective group of artists from the Fine Arts School, Hanoi, also known as the MBAI (Maison des Beaux Arts de L’Indochine), which was led by the famed Vietnamese Coromandel lacquer master – Nguyen Van Bai.

The Coromandel lacquer technique demands a high level of mastery due to the lengthy and intricate process it poses. This double-sided lacquer screen consists of two different sceneries. One side of the screen depicts the feast at the Empress’s palace in Annam – with dancers and musicians entertaining the celebration. On the opposite side of the lacquer screen, demonstrates a phoenix, cranes, bamboos and various types of flowers – representing the rich landscape in Annam during the spring season. Although each side is illustrated differently, both suggest the harmonious balance of Annam’s peaceful nature and vibrant culture.

Most Vietnamese lacquer screens are in the collection of prominent museums in Vietnam. A truly rare medium, this lacquer screen narrates two different stories, which aptly compliments the opulent aesthetics of Vietnam’s treasured history.