Moscow (VNA) - The State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow opened its doors on July 30 to the largest exhibition of Vietnamese lacquer art ever held in Russia, marking the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The showcase featured 80 paintings and 27 furniture pieces, representing the finest works by Vietnam's most renowned artists. It was organised by Russia’s Ministry of Culture with support from the History of the Fatherland Foundation and the fund on the promotion of the Russia - Vietnam cooperation "Tradition and Friendship".
Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova said that the collection is a vivid reflection of the evolution of Vietnamese lacquer art, offering audiences a glimpse into pivotal chapters of Vietnam’s history, from the August Revolution in 1945 to the country’s reunification in 1975.
In her remarks at the opening ceremony, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, laid stress on the event’s significance, describing it as a symbol for the Vietnam – Russia friendship.
At the event, art aficionados had the opportunity to hear Madame Ly personally introduce Vietnam's most beautiful and internationally acclaimed art forms, including the traditional ao dai costume and the distinctive lacquer painting technique.
On this occasion, the museum’s Vietnam collection was enriched with two special gifts from Madame Ly, a custom-designed ao dai worn during her official visit to Russia in May 2025, and Doi co (hill of palms) painting (1963) by Phan Ke An, one of the most prominent Vietnamese painters of the 20th century. The ao dai, crafted from Vietnamese silk, features birch trees, a symbol of Russia, interwoven with bamboo, representing Vietnam.
Following the opening, Madame Ly toured the exhibition spaces, visited the museum’s Vietnam room, and presented items of her own design to Minister Lyubimova, the museum director, and the exhibition’s curator.
Earlier, Madame Ly had a meeting with Minister Lyubimova to discuss ways to bolster cultural cooperation, contributing to consolidating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries./.
