Signed Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2003) Vietnamese Lacquered Eight-Panel Folding Screen

Details

Description

An exceptional and increasingly scarce signed work by Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2003), one of the most important figures in twentieth-century … Read more An exceptional and increasingly scarce signed work by Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2003), one of the most important figures in twentieth-century Vietnamese lacquer art. Bearing the artist's authenticated signature, "thành lễ" above "VIETNAM," this remarkable eight-panel folding screen represents the rich artistic tradition that brought Vietnamese lacquerwork to international recognition during the mid-twentieth century. Nguyen Thanh Le is documented as a Vietnamese lacquer artist whose works continue to appear in international auction and gallery markets.

Executed in the traditional Vietnamese sơn mài lacquer technique, the screen unfolds as a panoramic mountain landscape of extraordinary depth and complexity. Travelers move through flowering gardens and winding pathways toward secluded pavilions hidden among ancient pines and dramatic cliffs. More than a decorative object, the composition functions as a visual journey, drawing the viewer through a landscape of contemplation, discovery, and retreat.

What separates this work from ordinary decorative lacquerware is the astonishing level of craftsmanship visible throughout. Every panel reveals evidence of countless hours of handwork. Mountain formations are richly textured through carving and incised lacquer work. Pine canopies are constructed from hundreds of individually executed strokes. Architectural details emerge organically from the landscape, while the figures themselves are rendered with distinctive garments, gestures, and features. Delicate blossoms, layered vegetation, carved terrain, and luminous lacquer surfaces work together to create a composition that reveals new details each time it is viewed.

Rather than relying on repeated decorative motifs, the entire landscape reads as a unified composition extending seamlessly across all eight panels. The careful balance of positive and negative space, the progression of travelers through the landscape, and the placement of mountain retreats and pavilions suggest a work conceived as a complete narrative rather than a collection of decorative scenes.

Extensive research identified documented lacquer paintings, folding screens, decorative panels, and table screens by Nguyen Thanh Le, confirming that folding screens formed part of his known artistic production. While comparable works by the artist were located, no published example matching this exact eight-panel composition was identified during research. As a result, the screen presents as a unique carved and hand-painted work rather than a commonly encountered design.

For collectors, the screen offers authenticated artist provenance and a direct connection to one of Vietnam's most celebrated lacquer artists. For designers, it offers something equally valuable: a true statement piece that combines fine art, craftsmanship, history, and decorative impact within an exceptionally versatile scale.

Whether displayed on a library shelf, console, secretary desk, cocktail table, or within a curated cabinet, the screen becomes an immediate focal point and conversation piece. Objects of this quality are increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples that retain their original surfaces, original hardware, authenticated signature, and complete eight-panel configuration.

Provenance
Acquired from a private Virginia estate.

The reverse retains the artist's original signature:
"thành lễ"
"VIETNAM"

The signature has been authenticated as that of Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2003). Research confirms folding screens as a documented form within the artist's known body of work.

Dimensions
Width (fully extended): 24 in.
Height: 14 in.
Depth: Variable when folded

Details
Artist: Nguyen Thanh Le (1919–2003)
Signed: "thành lễ" / "VIETNAM"
Origin: Vietnam
Period: Mid-20th Century
Materials: Lacquered Wood, Brass
Technique: Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Lacquerwork
Format: Eight-Panel Folding Screen

Why Collectors Seek Nguyen Thanh Le

Nguyen Thanh Le occupies an important place in the history of Vietnamese lacquer art. His work helped elevate traditional lacquer techniques from decorative craft into internationally collected art. Today his paintings, sculpture, lacquer panels, and screens continue to appear in galleries and auction houses around the world, where collectors prize their combination of technical mastery, cultural significance, and distinctive visual language.

This screen offers the rare opportunity to acquire a signed work by a recognized Vietnamese artist in a highly desirable format that bridges the worlds of fine art and decorative design. See less