The winter scene of a village of ethnic people is expressed through incised lacquer with the typical language of graphical lines. Xuan Anh Vu’s The Way Back 9 uses few colours in order to emphasise the direction of the incised lines, creating a strong, decisive and vigorous effect. On the glossy black background, the diverse lines and incised shapes are masterfully rendered from curved, straight, to short and long. Incised lacquer is a rustic yet expressive technique, especially suitable for expressing the spirit of the highlands, where life remains full of vitality despite the harsh conditions. That spirit is as substantial as a stone fence that does not need any adhesive – the iconic highland stone fence is clearly depicted in The Way Back 9.