A double-sided lacquer masterpiece by Nguyen Gia Tri (1908 - 1993), one of the country’s four most eminent artists, which is being showcased at an ongoing exhibit in Hanoi, has just been proposed as a national treasure.

The lacquer painting, which has the layout of a “binh phong” (a traditionally-styled, Fengshui-friendly partition), boasts two masterpieces titled “Phong canh” (Landscape) and “Thieu nu trong vuon” (The girl in the garden) on its two sides.

Do Quoc Viet, vice head of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, said that his museum is completing a dossier to apply for recognition of the work.

The prized piece is being displayed along with several others by the artists honored with Ho Chi Minh awards last year in an exhibit which is running at the museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc st., Hanoi from now to Aug 5.

However, Tri’s piece isn’t displayed with other works, but is kept separately on the museum’s second floor to ensure maximal security.

The museum is looking to hold themed exhibits on outstanding works by Tri and other revered artists including To Ngoc Van, Bui Xuan Phai and Tran Van Can in the coming months.

Viet added that his museum has purchased several notable works from the artists’ families and private collectors nationwide.