Introduction to Vietnamese folk decorative arts
Vietnamese folk decorative arts have been an indispensable part of the cultural life of the Vietnamese people through thousands of years of history. It is not only the motifs and patterns used to beautify everyday objects, but also reflects the spiritual life, beliefs and customs of each region. Each pattern, each symbol carries a story, a deep meaning, passed down from generation to generation.
Discovering Vietnamese folk decorative arts is also a journey to learn about the endless creativity of Vietnamese people in combining beauty and traditional cultural values. From the motifs on Dong Son bronze drums, Bat Trang ceramics, to Dong Ho paintings, Vietnamese folk decorative art is a true reflection of the nation’s creative spirit and love of art.
Dong Son bronze drum – Symbol of ancient decorative art
Dong Son bronze drum is one of the typical artifacts of ancient Vietnamese decorative art. Appearing around the 7th century BC, bronze drums are not only a musical instrument but also a symbol of power, belief and culture of the ancient Vietnamese people. The decorative motifs on the surface of the bronze drum are extremely rich and detailed, from images of the sun, people to animals such as cranes, tigers, and snakes.
The central motif of the drum is often the image of the sun, symbolizing the source of life and strength. Surrounded by motifs depicting daily life, festivals, war and hunting. Every detail on the Dong Son bronze drum not only carries aesthetic value but also a message about the cultural life and beliefs of the ancient Vietnamese people. The bronze drum is not only a masterpiece of decorative art but also a symbol of the creativity and spirit of the Vietnamese people in early times.
Bat Trang ceramics – Traditional decorative art
Bat Trang Pottery Village, located along the Red River in Hanoi, is one of the most famous ceramic villages in Vietnam. The decorative art on Bat Trang ceramics is boldly folk, with meticulously hand-painted patterns, demonstrating the sophistication and creativity of craft village artisans.
Decorative motifs on Bat Trang ceramics are often familiar images from daily life such as lotus flowers, phoenixes, carp fish or scenes of rural life. In addition, the motifs of the four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, tortoise, and phoenix) are also often used to decorate ceramic vases, jars, and plates, symbolizing peace, wealth, and prosperity.
Each Bat Trang ceramic product is not only a household item but also a work of art full of cultural value. Decorative motifs not only beautify the product but also tell the story of the traditions, beliefs and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people through the ages.
Dong Ho painting – Unique folk decorative art
Dong Ho painting is a famous Vietnamese folk painting, originating from Dong Ho village, Bac Ninh province. Dong Ho paintings are made entirely by hand, from choosing paper, engraving to printing colors. The colors in the paintings are taken from natural materials such as wood, leaves, and stones. In particular, Dong Ho paintings stand out with bright, vibrant colors and motifs close to people’s lives.
The themes of Dong Ho paintings are very diverse, from images depicting daily life scenes, such as “Rat wedding”, “Buffalo playing the flute”, to cultural and religious symbols such as “Ly Ngu”. look forward to the moon”, “Virtuously return to worship the ancestors”. The motifs in the paintings are not only beautiful in form but also contain profound philosophies about life, people and nature.
Dong Ho painting is not only a decorative art but also an indispensable part of the cultural life of Vietnamese people. These paintings are often hung in homes during Tet to bring luck and prosperity to the family. It is the combination of folk beauty and profound meaning that has helped Dong Ho paintings become a valuable cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Decorative art on temple architecture
Communal houses and pagodas are important religious structures of the Vietnamese people, where religious activities and folk festivals take place. The decorative art on these works is extremely delicate and diverse, from carved wood and stone motifs to sculptures. Decorative motifs are often imbued with folk beliefs, expressing respect for the gods and the desire to bring peace and wealth to the community.
On columns, rafters, roofs of communal houses and pagodas, artisans often carve images of dragons, phoenixes, four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, tortoise, phoenix) and stylized images of flowers and leaves. These motifs not only have spiritual meaning but also demonstrate the sophistication of the workmanship of Vietnamese artisans. Each decorative detail is carefully and delicately arranged, creating harmony between architecture and art.
Cultural significance of Vietnamese folk decorative art
Vietnamese folk decorative art is not simply about beautifying objects and structures, but also contains profound cultural and spiritual values. Each motif, each image reflects the concept of life, beliefs and philosophy of Vietnamese people.
Motifs such as lotus, dragon, and phoenix are not only decorative but also symbolize nobility, prosperity, and the connection between humans and nature. Folk decorative art is also a way for Vietnamese people to show respect for tradition, while preserving precious cultural values through each period.
The essence of folk art
Vietnamese folk decorative art is the crystallization of the wisdom, talent and creative spirit of Vietnamese people through thousands of years of history. From the motifs on Dong Son bronze drums, Bat Trang ceramics, Dong Ho paintings to the patterns on architectural works of communal houses and pagodas, all show meticulousness, sophistication and profound meaning.
Preserving and promoting folk decorative arts is a way for us to preserve traditional cultural values, while conveying messages about national spirit and the connection between people and nature. Folk decorative art is not only a cultural heritage but also an endless source of inspiration for generations of contemporary artists and designers.
