Framing the Beauty of the East: A Bespoke Display for Vietnamese Lacquer Panels

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.