Vietnamese artist Tran Anh Tuan, a master lacquer artist with over 30 years of experience, recently showcased unique lacquer products at the BRICS Artisan Bazaar in New Delhi. His participation, alongside artisan Dang Dinh Thuong, aimed to promote Vietnam's distinctive cultural identity to an international audience.

The Artisan Bazaar, a prominent cultural exchange event, was held during India's 18th BRICS summit. Vietnam's booth stood out, located prominently at the entrance, just after the host country, India. The event brought together artisans from BRICS member nations and partner countries to demonstrate their craft and present traditional cultural products.

Tran Anh Tuan enthusiastically introduced his lacquer products, which embody the essence of Vietnam. Among them was a painting of a 9-root banyan tree, strategically placed in the most prominent spot. "I grew up in Hanoi's Old Quarter and saw this 9-root banyan tree from a young age. The banyan tree symbolizes luck, prosperity, and wealth, and it seems only Vietnam has such a unique 9-root banyan tree", shared Tran Anh Tuan, Head of the Lacquer Department at the Faculty of Traditional Arts, Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts. Meanwhile, artisan Dang Dinh Thuong captivated visitors by passionately crafting colorful 'to he' (traditional Vietnamese toy figurines).

Tran Anh Tuan's lacquer painting of the 9-root banyan tree stood out with its red and gold hues, depicting the tree beside The Huc Bridge, reflected in Ho Guom. Adjacent to it was a lacquer painting featuring the logo of the BRICS 2026 summit, alongside bamboo and lotus flowers, two iconic symbols of Vietnam. He explained the meaning behind the artwork: "Bamboo represents Vietnam's flexible yet firm diplomatic approach, while the lotus, a national flower, symbolizes the resilient, indomitable spirit and the essence of the Vietnamese soul."

The host country India's website introduced Tran Anh Tuan as a master lacquer artist with over 30 years of experience and dedication to preserving, practicing, and promoting Vietnamese lacquer art. In 2012, he established the Tay Ho Lacquer School, where he mentors generations of local and international students. He also plays a prominent role in cultural diplomacy, representing Vietnam at major international events like "Vietnam Day" worldwide.

Artist Tran Anh Tuan stated that in early september, after receiving an invitation from the Ministry of External Affairs of India, he and artisan Thuong hastily prepared, bringing over 70 kg of luggage, primarily handicraft products, to New Delhi for the fair. "From the very first day, someone expressed interest in buying the painting, but I did not sell it because I wanted to display it here to promote Vietnamese culture and identity to international friends", he said.

Many international visitors at the fair expressed their admiration for the distinctive handicraft products and the skillful craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans, as well as the country's unique cultural identity.

During a press conference on 12/9, Indian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Relations Sudhakar Dalela described the Artisan Bazaar as an "impressive, attractive, and captivating exhibition". The fair took place from 10-15/9 at the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum of India and Hastkala Academy in New Delhi. The event aimed to demonstrate India's people-centric approach and the spirit of "Humanity First" during its BRICS 2026 presidency.

BRICS was founded in 9/2006 and currently comprises 11 members: China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Vietnam became a BRICS Partner Nation in 2025, aiming to contribute, amplify the voice and role of developing countries, and promote international solidarity, inclusive and comprehensive multilateralism in the spirit of respecting international law.

Bao Thanh