A monumental lacquer painting titled President Ho Chi Minh reads the Declaration of Independence by artist Chu Nhat Quang has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest single-panel lacquer painting in the world. The piece is currently on display at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi, as part of the Spring of Independence exhibition, alongside 16 other large-scale lacquer artworks.

This double-sided lacquer painting spans 2.4 meters high and 7.2 meters long, weighing 3 tons. One side, titled President Ho Chi Minh reads the Declaration of Independence, recreates the historic moment on September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence at Ba Dinh Square. The reverse side, titled Spring of the Nation, symbolizes the collective joy of the Vietnamese people in the spring of Independence - Freedom - Happiness.

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A centerpiece in the “Spring of Independence” exhibition is the double-sided lacquer painting measuring 7.2m x 2.4m, one side themed “President Ho Chi Minh reads the Declaration of Independence”...
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...the reverse side is titled “Spring of the Nation”

Speaking at the event, Luong Xuan Doan, Chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, praised the artwork for expressing the personality and philosophy of Ho Chi Minh through the creative lens of a younger generation. “The essence and spirit of Uncle Ho are still present but interpreted through the artistic language of the 9X generation - fresh, bold, and daring. This is a positive sign for generational transition in Vietnamese fine arts,” he stated.

Doan also lauded Chu Nhat Quang’s courage in tackling such a monumental historical subject. “Without courage, confidence, and a willingness to take risks, such a creation would be impossible. The Guinness record is not just a personal achievement - it helps promote Vietnamese lacquer art, a timeless and unique medium,” he added.

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Artist Chu Nhat Quang stands beside the painting “President Ho Chi Minh reads the Declaration of Independence.”

Chu Nhat Quang began work on the piece in 2019, completing it after six years of creation. Throughout the process, the artist collaborated closely with his family, particularly his brother-in-law, painter Nguyen Thanh Tung. Together, they thoroughly studied materials, blending traditional lacquer techniques with modern elements. The team also consulted numerous historical sources to ensure accuracy. Despite several interruptions for revisions, the work was finally completed in time to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day on September 2.

On September 3, an international evaluation committee conducted its final appraisal at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Nguyen Thanh Tung emphasized that the recognition is not only an honor for Quang but also a proud moment for Vietnamese lacquer art. He highlighted lacquer’s thousand-year legacy across countries like Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan, each with distinct characteristics. However, the completion of President Ho Chi Minh reads the Declaration of Independence in such an unprecedented scale and unified form marks a new milestone in global lacquer art history.

For Chu Nhat Quang, the original motivation behind the painting was to express his love for the nation and gratitude to past generations who sacrificed for independence and freedom. “Now that the piece has been awarded a Guinness World Record, I feel both joy and pride. It also gives me greater motivation to continue creating,” said the young artist.

Tinh Le