Pulp critter 15 x 6 x 7 cm

Inspired by the water buffalo, an animal that represents Vietnamese agricultural heritage– curio has recreated its familiar appearance in our line of decorative products combining Giang pulp and lacquer art, The Pulp Critter.

The sculpture is crafted using Giang pulp, a traditional material made by the H’Mong community in Hoa Binh, Vietnam. Made from the fibres of the native Giang bamboo, the material is prepared through a handmade process of boiling, soaking, beating, and drying. For generations, the H’Mong people have used this material to produce handmade paper.

Each creature begins with curio’s original design and is handcrafted by lacquer artist Nguyen Xuan Luc.

Crafting stages:
Giang paper pulp is blended with fine clay to improve its strength and moldability. The form is then shaped entirely by hand before undergoing a meticulous series, including smoothing, priming, multiple layers of lacquer, hand-painting, and repeated polishing. Through this time-intensive process, the lacquer gradually develops its characteristic depth, resulting in a unique, one-of-a-kind lacquer animal figure.