Vintage Vietnamese Lacquer Dish Tranha Red Figure Mid Century 5.5 Saucer

Overview
A mid-century Vietnamese sơn mài lacquered wooden shallow dish, featuring a vibrant vermilion red interior face adorned with stylized figurative artwork. Hand-signed on the reverse by the noted studio Tránha VIET-NAM, the composition illustrates two figures in stylized traditional áo dài attire framed by elegant, modern graphic lines. Crafted with a raised circular foot rim and deep dark brown exterior finish, this versatile tray makes a striking vanity accent, entryway trinket dish, or wall display piece for Mid-Century Modern and Asian modernist collections. Complimentary, fully insured standard domestic shipping is included with purchase.
Deep Cultural & Historical Background
This vessel represents the mid-20th-century golden era of Vietnamese fine lacquer painting (sơn mài), a technique perfected in Saigon and Hanoi studio workshops. Artisans apply multiple layers of natural sap harvested from the Rhus succedanea tree, interspersed with meticulous hand-sanding, polishing, and pigment inlay. The central iconography depicts traditional regional life—specifically women wearing the graceful áo dài tunic and carrying a traditional shoulder pole (gánh). Mid-century studios like Tránha synthesized ancient resin craftsmanship with modern Parisian and East Asian design movements, producing sought-after decorative export arts that remain celebrated for their radiant color depth and smooth finish.
Condition & Surface Character
Preserved in vintage condition, featuring a high-gloss luster across the red interior surface. The hand-painted figures remain distinct and well-preserved. Minor age-appropriate surface wear is present, including faint hairline scuffs and minor rim edge friction marks consistent with historic handling. The underside retains its original gold hand-painted signature stamp reading Tránha VIET-NAM.
Dimensions, Shipping & Display
Height: 0.8 inches (2.0 cm)
Width/Diameter: 5.5 inches (14.0 cm)
Depth: 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) interior depth
Weight Profile: Light (Carved wooden foundation)
Shipping: Free Standard Shipping (Fully Insured & Securely Boxed)
Mounting/Display: Display stand not included.