about
s a e k o a n d o
Artist Saeko Ando
Saeko Ando is an acclaimed contemporary artist whose luminous sơn mài lacquer paintings are recognized internationally for their meditative depth, refined surfaces, and sophisticated vision within the world of Fine Art.
Ando’s subject matter draws deeply from nature, often exploring the subtle patterns and rhythms found in landscapes, water, flora, and the transient phenomena of light and air. Her compositions evoke tranquil environments, delicate moments of change, and the quiet intricacies of the natural world. Through layered abstraction, she captures both the essence and the fleeting beauty of her surroundings.
Her primary sources of inspiration stem from the poetry of everyday life, Zen philosophy, and the interplay between impermanence and continuity. Ando finds artistic nourishment in the refinement of Japanese aesthetics, the vibrant visual heritage of Vietnam, and the serene harmony existing between man and nature. These influences converge in her meticulous, contemplative process, resulting in works that invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and engage with the nuanced worlds beneath each polished surface.
Through her distinctive artistic language and philosophical inquiry, Saeko Ando creates lacquer works that resonate with profound calm and poetic resonance, offering viewers a space for contemplation and wonder.
A Bridge of Cultures, Nature, and Time
Saeko Ando is a Japanese artist, researcher, and creator whose life’s work is a living dialogue between the refined sensibility of Japan and the deep-rooted traditions of Vietnam. Since 1995, she has devoted herself to Vietnamese son mai lacquer painting, immersing in the technical depths and sensory mysteries of the medium under the mentorship of artist Trinh Tuan, lacquer master Doan Chi Trung, and lacquer artisan Lam Huu Chinh. Her art is not merely a practice but a preservation and revitalization of a tradition once at risk of fading, now transformed through her vision into a contemporary language of impermanence, nature, and cross-cultural resonance. With over thirty years of engagement in son mai, Saeko’s commitment continues to deepen and evolve.
Artistic Journey: From Discovery to Mastery
Saeko’s journey began with a single, serendipitous encounter with Vietnamese lacquer during a visit to Hanoi. Drawn by the enigmatic beauty of son ta natural lacquer, she absorbed not only the techniques but also the spirit and values behind the craft from her mentors. In 2000, her mastery was recognized as she became the first foreign member of the Hanoi Art Association. Over the decades, Saeko has developed original methods that honor tradition while introducing her own innovations, blending Vietnamese craftsmanship with Japanese aesthetic sensitivity and scientific curiosity. Today, her works are celebrated internationally for their quiet power and cross-cultural resonance.
The Philosophy of Utsuroi: Embracing Impermanence
Central to Saeko’s art is the Japanese aesthetic of utsuroi—the subtle, continuous transformation that reveals the beauty of impermanence. She is captivated by how son ta lacquer itself changes over time, its transparency and color deepening as the years pass, echoing the natural processes of aging and renewal. For Saeko, true beauty is found not in flawlessness, but in the traces of change and the quiet dignity of the imperfect.
“Painting son mai is my way to set myself free and link with the universe. That is the most calm, joyful, and energizing feeling. For this reason, the creative process has been more important to me than my finished works.”
~ Saeko Ando
Nature as Inspiration, Lacquer as Language
Now residing in Hoi An, Saeko draws inspiration from the vitality of the Vietnamese landscape: the sea, rivers, and fields that pulse with life. Her art does not merely represent nature; it channels its energy, giving physical form to invisible rhythms and transformations. Each piece is a microcosmos—a tactile poem where the implicit and explicit, the seen and unseen, merge in luminous layers.
Her process is both meticulous and “meticulously chaotic,” a balance of scientific inquiry and poetic instinct. Through her hands, the ancient medium of lacquer becomes a portal, inviting viewers into a space of calm, wonder, and introspection.
Innovation, Research, and Cultural Preservation
Saeko is not only an artist but also a dedicated researcher and advocate for the preservation of natural lacquer traditions. Her expertise extends to the chemistry of lacquer, the making of gold and silver leaf, mother-of-pearl inlay, and the restoration of historic works. She collaborates internationally, lectures at conferences, and contributes to the academic understanding of lacquer art, ensuring its vitality for future generations.
Her work as a cultural ambassador is exemplified by her involvement in cross-cultural projects such as the opera Princess Anio, celebrating the centuries-old relationship between Japan and Vietnam. Through her art and scholarship, Saeko elevates Vietnamese lacquer to its rightful place in the global art world, inspiring new generations to explore and honor this time-honored craft.
An Invitation to the Viewer:
Awakening the Senses
Standing before Saeko Ando’s lacquer paintings is like touching a stone softly soaked with water—the subtle texture, the faint scent, the barely perceptible breath of animals in a quiet forest.
Her work stirs dormant senses gently, inviting the viewer to awaken to the delicate life within each layer. This tactile experience transcends mere sight; it is an invitation to feel the pulse of nature’s quiet whispers, evoking a profound connection between art and soul.
