Painter Tran Anh Tuan brought unique lacquer products to the BRICS handicrafts fair in New Delhi to promote Vietnamese cultural identity.
The Arts and Crafts Fair (Artisan Bazaar) is one of the prominent cultural and people-to-people exchange activities taking place during India's hosting of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi. The event brings together artisans from BRICS member countries and partners to directly demonstrate industry, craftsmanship and introduce unique traditional cultural products of their countries.
Standing out at the event was Vietnam's booth at the entrance gate, just behind the host country's booth, India. This is where two artisans Dang Dinh Thuong and Tran Anh Tuan display and introduce their typical handicraft products.
While artisan Dang Dinh Thuong was passionate about molding colorful to he products, artist Tran Anh Tuan excitedly introduced Vietnamese lacquer products to visitors, including the 9-root bud painting that he arranged in the most solemn place.
"I grew up in Hanoi's Old Quarter and since I was a child, I have seen this 9-rooted bud tree. The 9-rooted bud tree is a symbol of luck, fortune, and wealth, and it seems that only in Vietnam is there such a unique 9-rooted bud tree," shared artist Tran Anh Tuan, Head of the Lacquer Department of the Faculty of Traditional Arts at Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts.
His lacquer painting stands out with red and yellow colors, showing the 9-rooted sesame tree next to The Huc bridge reflecting on Hoan Kiem Lake. Placed next to it is a lacquer painting showing the logo of the 2026 BRICS summit, along with bamboo and lotus flowers, two symbols of Vietnam.
"The bamboo tree represents Vietnam's flexible and steadfast diplomacy, while the lotus is a flower that symbolizes the resilient, indomitable will and soul of the Vietnamese people," he explained the meaning of the painting.
The website of the host country India introduces artist Tran Anh Tuan as a master lacquer artist with more than 30 years of experience and dedication to art as well as preserving, practicing and promoting Vietnamese lacquer art.
In 2012, he founded Tay Ho Lacquer School, where he mentors generations of domestic and international students. He also plays a prominent role in cultural diplomacy, representing Vietnam on the international stage through major international events such as Vietnam Day around the world.
Artist Anh Tuan said that in early September, after receiving an invitation from the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he and artisan Thuong had to quickly prepare and bring more than 70 kg of luggage, mainly handicraft products, to New Delhi to attend the fair.
"From the first day, someone offered to buy 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 attending the fair expressed interest in the handicraft products and skillful workmanship of Vietnamese artisans, as well as the country's unique cultural identity.
In a press conference on September 12, Indian Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of economic relations Sudhakar Dalela described Artisan Bazaar as "an extremely impressive, attractive and captivating exhibition".
The fair takes place September 10-15 at the National Museum of Indian Handicrafts and Hastkala Academy in New Delhi. The event was organized to demonstrate India's people-centered orientation and "Humanity First" spirit during the BRICS 2026 presidency.
BRICS was established in September 2006, and now has 11 members including China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Vietnam becomes a BRICS Partner Country from 2025, with the desire to make efforts to contribute, enhance the voice and role of developing countries, promote international solidarity, inclusive and comprehensive multilateralism in the spirit of respect for international law.
