ICHCAP

The 2025 International Symposium for Safeguarding Lacquerware Heritage Shared in the Asia-Pacific was held from 16 to 17 October 2025 at the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU SIS). The event was co-hosted by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP) and VNU SIS.

The symposium aimed to re-examine the artistic and cultural significance of lacquer traditions and to foster collaboration among experts and artisans across the Asia-Pacific region. During the opening ceremony, welcoming remarks were delivered by Prof. Nguyen Van Hieu, Rector of VNU SIS; Dr. Truong Dao Quyen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; and Mr. Weonmo Park, Director of the Information and Research Office at ICHCAP.

Two keynote speeches followed: Prof. Sakurako Matsushima from Utsunomiya University, Japan, presented “Sustaining Lacquer Craft Through Exchange Programs,” and Prof. Nguyen Thi Hien from VNU SIS presented “Multinational Nominations under the 2003 Convention: Priority and the Case of Lacquerware in Asia-Pacific.”

Throughout the two-day event, participants from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia discussed the safeguarding of lacquerware heritage in Northeast and Southeast Asia. In the final session, experts from Singapore, India, and Korea shared insights on new perspectives and future directions for the revitalization of lacquerware in contemporary contexts.

The symposium concluded with a field visit to Ha Thai Lacquer Village, where participants observed traditional lacquer techniques and engaged with local artisans, witnessing how traditional craftsmanship continues to inspire innovation.

Mr. Weonmo Park at ICHCAP, stated, “This symposium reaffirmed our shared responsibility to safeguard lacquerware heritage as a common cultural asset of the Asia-Pacific. ICHCAP will continue to work with partner countries to ensure that lacquer traditions remain a living art that connects the wisdom of the past with the creativity of the present.”