Hương Xưa IV ("Scents of yesteryear") (2023) 绘画 由 Quoc Son Nguyen

Hương Xưa IV" ("Scent of Yesteryear") is a mesmerizing lacquer painting on wood by Nguyen Quoc Son, portraying a Vietnamese woman with a round face, adorned in the traditional "Ao dai" dress. The "Ao dai" she wears is an enchanting shade of emerald green, beautifully accentuated with golden decorative elements.

In her hand, she holds a yellow lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Behind her, a circular window reveals a glimpse of the outside world. Adjacent to the women, a golden birdcage is delicately depicted, with the cage door open and a little bird soaring high above.

The white mosaic on the woman's mấn ("hair crown), the bird, and the intricate embellishments on the "Ao dai" are carefully crafted with crushed eggshell, showcase the artist's meticulous craftsmanship. The image of the small bird and the birdcage symbolize the girls of the bygone era, whose parents cherished them and constrained them, much like the small bird inside the cage. However, in the present era, those constraints no longer exist, as depicted by the bird soaring freely outside the cage.

"Hương Xưa IV" captures a moment that invites contemplation of nostalgic memories. It serves as an illustration of a bygone era, where thoughts of cherished recollections permeate the air. The painting beautifully encapsulates the longing and reflection on the past, while also embracing the liberation and freedom of the present.