Lacquer: A Unique Phone Case that Showcases Traditional Vietnamese Art

Bringing the Beauty of Lacquer Art to Your Phone

Inspired by the fading art of lacquer in Vietnam, La Sonmai aims to preserve and promote this unique art form through their innovative phone case designs. Lacquer is a traditional art form that conveys Vietnamese culture and the characteristics of its people. However, with fewer artists continuing to work on traditional lacquer art, the art form is slowly fading away. La Sonmai was founded to learn, develop, and bring this hidden gem closer to the public, while also maintaining the traditional techniques that make it so special.

The Lacquer phone case stands out with its handcrafted, multilayered art on a metal surface. Natural materials such as resin, minerals, gold, and silver are used to create a graceful demonstration of traditional techniques. Each case is meticulously crafted, taking fourteen days to complete in an extreme moisture-controlled environment. The surface is then carefully ground to reveal hidden drawings under layers of resin. The paintings on the phone cases convey the diversity of cultures and life creatures, reflecting the human belief in beauty and desire.

La Sonmai's artisans carefully select suitable materials and layers for each phone case. The base layer is covered in resin multiple times to create different layers of paint, including eggshells, colors, gold, and silver. After each layer is applied and dried, the surface is smoothed using stones. The most crucial part of the process takes place after the final layer has been applied. The artist rubs and polishes different parts of the painting until the preferred colors and textures are achieved. This meticulous process ensures that the colors are preserved while creating a smooth and polished surface.

The Lacquer phone case is available in various sizes to fit specific phone models, including iPhone X, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Samsung Note 9, and Galaxy S10. Each case comes packaged in a rectangular dark blue box with the La Sonmai logo printed on the outside. Inside, a soft velvet cardboard frame holds the phone case securely, preventing any damage during transportation.

Not only does the Lacquer phone case function as a regular phone case, but it also serves as a piece of jewelry for its owner. It can be used daily with simple operation, adding a touch of sophistication to the owner's style. The phone case becomes a symbol of the owner's characteristics, desires, and faith.

La Sonmai, based in Hanoi, Vietnam, was founded in May 2018. The design team, led by co-founders Duc Anh Vu and Truong Xuan Le, along with artist Quynh Anh Le and designer Trang Nguyen, has worked tirelessly to bring this unique art form to the world. With their dedication and passion, La Sonmai has successfully created a product that showcases the beauty of lacquer art while connecting it to modern lifestyles.

The Lacquer phone case is not only a masterpiece of art but also a result of extensive research and experimentation. La Sonmai conducted qualitative research with artisans and designers for one year before officially launching the product. The goal was to create a product that not only conveys the beauty of lacquer but also resonates with society. The phone case, an unusual form of lacquer ware, easily captures attention and allows customers to appreciate the value of lacquer art through a familiar design.

One of the biggest challenges faced by La Sonmai was creating a smooth and polished surface without compromising the colors and textures of the materials. After several tests, a polish substance was found to be applied to the final surface, protecting the lacquer from damage caused by factors like sunlight and water. The creativity of the design lies in its form as a functional item that can be carried anywhere, silently connecting with like-minded individuals.

The Lacquer phone case is a testament to the uniqueness of lacquer art. It showcases the shimmering look of seashells, the splendid shades of diverse colors, and the majestic feeling of silver and gold. With its intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail, this phone case is not just a protective accessory but a work of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.

La Sonmai's Lacquer phone case has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category in 2020. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. La Sonmai's Lacquer phone case stands out for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its users.