At Artscape, we love when a project combines artistry, culture, and craftsmanship. A recent framing commission brought us exactly that—a striking set of four Vietnamese lacquered panels, each delicately inlaid with Mother of Pearl and rich in intricate Oriental design.

These artworks were full of depth, shimmer, and historical charm. Framing them wasn’t just about protection—it was about presentation. The client wanted to display all four panels together while still celebrating each piece’s individual beauty. Our solution? A completely bespoke frame design that honoured the art’s heritage and enhanced its visual impact.

Double Mounting with a Hint of Gold

We began with a double mount setup to add both depth and contrast. The top mount was a smooth, rich black that complemented the glossy lacquer surfaces. Beneath that, a gold under-mount provided a warm accent that echoed the lustre of the Mother of Pearl and gold work in the piece. This subtle combination added elegance without competing with the artwork itself.

Float-Style Presentation

To give each panel the space it deserved, we used a float-style technique—allowing the panels to appear as though they’re suspended within the frame. This approach preserved the tactile beauty and edge details of each piece while offering a clean, modern finish.

Bespoke Black Moulding

The outer frame was chosen carefully: a custom black moulding with a satin finish that mirrored the lacquered surfaces of the panels. Its sharp lines offered a contemporary edge, while a thin reveal of gold mount board inside the frame tied the whole piece together, harmonising with the artwork’s natural tones.

Crystal-Clear Protection with Art Glass

To protect this delicate work without sacrificing clarity, we used Art Glass—a premium glazing option that offers superb UV protection and minimal reflection. It allowed the viewer to enjoy every detail of the Mother of Pearl and lacquer work without distracting glare or distortion. It was the perfect finishing touch to a truly special piece.

The Final Result

The finished frame brought the four panels together into a unified statement, while still allowing each piece its own presence. It was a beautiful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern display—a piece ready to shine in any setting.

Have something unique or culturally significant you’d like to showcase? We’ll help you create a frame that does it justice.

A Unique Artistic Challenge

At Artscape, we take pride in bringing out the best in every piece of artwork through thoughtful and tailored framing solutions. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a stunning collection of abstract oil paintings on deep canvas, brought in by a discerning client looking to enhance their visual impact.

We also framed a number of pieces for Helen for her submission to the Royal Academy of Art and Helen plans to showcase her newest artwork in the prestigious annual exhibition. Additionally, her artwork is available for sale on her website, offering collectors the opportunity to own one of her stunning pieces.

Creating the Floating Effect

The scope of this project was to accentuate the vibrant colours and create a floating effect that would allow the artwork to truly shine. To achieve this, we selected a bespoke floating frame that not only complemented the rich textures of the oil paintings but also provided a seamless, modern presentation. The careful spacing and depth of the frame gave the illusion that the artwork was suspended within its housing, adding a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic.

Beyond Preservation: Elevating the Art

Our approach to framing goes beyond just preservation; it is about elevating the art and ensuring it is displayed in a way that does justice to the artist’s vision. The final result was a breath-taking showcase that enriched the colours and brought out the depth of the abstract compositions.

Bring Your Artwork to Life

If you have a unique piece that deserves the perfect frame, we would love to collaborate with you to create a stunning display that enhances and protects your artwork. Get in touch with us today to discuss your bespoke framing needs.

If you want to see more of Helen's work or even buy one of her amazing pieces, or you would like a unique commission please contact her on her website: www.hdcarew.com