Born in 1980 into a family with a deep-rooted artistic tradition, Tran The Anh was destined to become a painter. His grandfather, the late artist Nam Phong from Phat Diem, Kim Son, Ninh Binh, was a renowned artist whose famous work, Vietnam's Virgin Mary, was exhibited in Rome in 1953. Growing up, The Anh inherited not only his family's artistic talent but also a passion for painting. He spent his childhood closely observing his father paint portraits, immersing himself in the world of art from an early age.
 

As a young adult, The Anh moved to the city to pursue his studies and career. His early work involved copying landscape paintings for souvenir shops, a job that refined his technical skills and attention to detail. However, his artistic journey took a transformative turn when he discovered lacquer painting. Drawn to its rich textures, deep colors, and enduring nature, he devoted years to mastering this traditional Vietnamese art form. Today, Tran The Anh is recognized as a professional artist specializing in lacquer paintings, with his works highly valued by collectors.
 

For The Anh, creating a lacquer painting is a meticulous and time-intensive process, heavily influenced by the weather and the emotional depth of each piece. His studio is home to hundreds of works, some valued at tens of thousands of dollars. Among his most notable pieces is an intricate depiction of the Long Bien Bridge, where even at 30% completion, its geometric details and historical essence are evident. Another remarkable work, Sen Tan, captures the life cycle of the lotus, symbolizing renewal and resilience. His art often portrays human figures with striking realism, such as a young Mong mother holding her child, where innocence and tenderness shine through.
 

While many of his works are commissioned, The Anh also draws inspiration from everyday life, nature, and personal experiences. His approach to lacquer painting follows traditional methods, using natural materials such as then lacquer, cockroach lacquer, silver and gold foil, eggshells, pearl shells, and snail shells. Each painting undergoes multiple layering and polishing stages, a process that requires patience and precision.
 

As a member of the 8X generation, Tran The Anh continues to innovate while preserving the time-honored techniques of lacquer painting. Through his dedication, he not only upholds his family's artistic legacy but also contributes to the evolution of this revered Vietnamese art form.