Nguyễn Gia Trí (1908–1993): The Master of Vietnamese Lacquer Painting

Promotion VII (1928/1931–1936), Valedictorian (ex aequo) — École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine

Born in Hà Tây Province in 1908, Nguyễn Gia Trí stands as one of the most celebrated figures in 20th-century Vietnamese art and the undisputed master of lacquer painting.

He entered the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine in 1928 (4th class) but left after two years. Encouraged by Victor Tardieu to return and join Joseph Inguimberty’s newly founded lacquer studio, he resumed his studies and graduated in 1936 with top honors.

From early on, Nguyễn Gia Trí made lacquer his principal medium of artistic expression. He participated in numerous exhibitions in Hanoi showcasing the works of young graduates notably:

• 1935: Société Annamite d’Encouragement à l’Art et à l’Industrie (SADEAI)

• 1939: Lacquer exhibition at the University of Hanoi

• 1940: Cooperative exhibition

• 1943: Salon Unique at AFIMA

Through his work, Nguyễn Gia Trí sought to elevate lacquer to the status of fine painting, combining technical mastery with poetic sensitivity.

His style reveals an extraordinary command of composition, color, and symbolism. The women he paints exude the grace of Watteau, the lightness of 18th-century French sketches, and the lyrical elegance of Botticelli.

In 1946, he moved to Hong Kong before returning to Saigon around 1953–1954, where he opened his own workshop and trained numerous artisans. Throughout his life, he maintained close correspondence with his former professor Joseph Inguimberty, whom he greatly admired.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to Vietnamese art, Nguyễn Gia Trí was posthumously awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Fine Arts.

Nguyễn Gia Trí on the Art Market: Artist’s Value and Auction Estimates

Nguyễn Gia Trí’s market presence has grown significantly, supported by his status as a pioneer of modern Vietnamese lacquer art and one of the country’s most revered artistic figures.

His works, ranging showcase a rare fusion of aesthetic refinement, technical brilliance, and spiritual symbolism.

Highlights of Works Sold at Aguttes

• Nguyễn Gia Trí (1908–1993), Femme se coiffant, c. 1960 — lacquer with gold highlights, signed lower right, 32 × 45 cm — sold for €120,000

• Nguyễn Gia Trí (1908–1993), Femme dans un intérieur — watercolor, pastel, and ink on paper, signed lower right, 27 × 12.5 cm — sold for €8,400

These sales illustrate the sustained strength of Nguyễn Gia Trí’s market, driven by international demand for his rare lacquer works.

Selling a Work by Nguyễn Gia Trí

Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, author of Le renouveau de l’art moderne en Indochine and expert at Aguttes for over 15 years, offers her deep expertise to both French and European sellers and predominantly Vietnamese buyers.

She specializes in the appraisal of mostly unpublished modern and contemporary works, conducting valuations throughout France and Europe in collaboration with Aguttes’ regional offices.

You can send your free and confidential valuation request including photographs, a description, and any related documentation — via the online estimation form or directly by email to our specialist.

The department organizes four annual auctions dedicated to artists of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine.

The Aguttes Asian Painters Department

As a historic leader in the market for Asian modern art, Aguttes provides private and professional sellers with a trusted platform that ensures world-record results and secure sales under French auction law.

The Asian Painters Department regularly presents sales dedicated to the great modern Vietnamese masters, including:
Lê Phổ, Nguyễn Phan Chánh, Mai Trung Thứ, Vũ Cao Đàm, Trần Văn Thọ, Phạm Hầu, and many others.

Contact our expert today to obtain a free valuation of your work by Nguyễn Gia Trí and receive personalized guidance throughout the selling process.