Phạm Hầu (1911–1975): Purity and Light in Vietnamese Lacquer

A Painter Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine

Born in Thừa Thiên–Huế in 1911, Phạm Hầu belongs to the founding generation of Vietnamese modern art.
A graduate of the first class of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine founded in Hanoi in 1925 by Victor Tardieu and Nguyễn Nam Sơn he was part of an elite group of artists who successfully fused Western academic training with Asian aesthetic sensitivity.

Closely associated with Nguyễn Phan Chánh and Lê Phổ, Phạm Hầu quickly established himself as one of the most brilliant masters of Vietnamese lacquer painting, a medium he helped elevate to the status of fine art.
His discreet yet technically flawless career earned him lasting recognition both in Vietnam and on the international stage.

A Poetic Style Between Tradition and Modernity

Phạm Hầu’s art seeks a harmonious balance between classical Asian aesthetics and the modern refinement of the Hanoi school.
His exceptional mastery of lacquer a noble and demanding material allowed him to express a serene, contemplative poetry infused with light and spirituality.

• Balanced compositions inspired by traditional Asian perspective and classical painting.

• Fluid, delicate lines recalling calligraphic drawing.

• Subtle use of lacquer, crushed shell, and gold leaf.

• Refined palette of browns, deep reds, shimmering blacks, and gold tones.

• Timeless themes: Vietnamese landscapes, rural scenes, birds, lotuses, temples, and waterways.

Phạm Hầu sublimated nature and everyday life, celebrating serenity and beauty through a medium that demanded both patience and perfection.

Themes and Notable Works

Phạm Hầu’s compositions reflect a profound attachment to nature, spirituality, and Vietnamese heritage:

• Landscapes of Hanoi and Huế, where temples, rivers, and misty hills merge in quiet harmony.

• Village scenes: women at work, fishermen, markets, and riverboats.

• Decorative motifs: birds, flowering trees, and traditional architecture.

• Lacquer panels created for interior decoration or public commissions.

His most admired works are distinguished by their radiant calm, technical precision, and symbolic depth evoking both memory and meditation.

A Master of Modern Vietnamese Lacquer

Phạm Hầu belongs to the great tradition of modern Vietnamese lacquer artists, alongside Nguyễn Khang, Nguyễn Gia Trí, Trần Văn Cẩn, and Lê Quốc Lộc.
His work stands out for its meditative and naturalistic tone, where the material itself becomes a vessel for emotion.

His virtuosity in combining gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, and mineral pigments gives his works an iridescent depth and shifting luminosity unique to his art.
Increasingly rare on the market, his lacquer panels are now regarded as milestones of modern Vietnamese art.

Market Value & Price Estimates for Works by Phạm Hầu

The market for Phạm Hầu has grown considerably since the 2010s, driven by renewed international interest in artists from the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine.
His lacquer panels are the most sought-after, though his preparatory drawings and ink paintings also attract collectors.

Selling a Work by PHẠM HẦU

Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, author of Le Renouveau de l’art moderne en Indochine and expert with Aguttes for over 15 years, offers her exceptional knowledge of this movement and its market to both European sellers and predominantly Vietnamese buyers.
She provides expertise in paintings and sculptures, often unpublished or newly discovered, with in-person evaluations conducted across France and Europe in collaboration with Aguttes’ regional offices.

Ahead of an appointment, you may also submit your request for a free valuation including a description, photographs, and any related documentation via the online form or by email to our specialist.

The department organizes four dedicated auctions per year featuring artists of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine.

As a historical market leader in Asian modern art, Aguttes offers each seller private or professional a trusted partnership ensuring optimal results and world-record prices in a demanding international market.
A dedicated team guarantees secure transactions and full payment under French auction law.

Contact our expert today to obtain a free valuation of your work by PHẠM HẦU, and benefit from comprehensive, personalized support through every step of the sale.