The dragon is a significant symbol in Vietnamese culture and beliefs. It holds a special place as the leading mascot among the Four Sacred Animals. The dragon represents the pride and heritage of the Vietnamese people and has been deeply intertwined with their history, despite its mythical nature.
Throughout different historical periods, Vietnamese dragons have undergone transformations, exhibiting unique features that reflect the vivid imaginations of skilled artisans.
The dragon image, with all its symbolism, always serves as an inspiration to contemporary artists. However, effectively depicting the dragon in artwork to convey messages, artistic ideologies, and personal impressions is no easy task.
Artist Nguyen Minh believes that utilizing dragon patterns and motifs in contemporary paintings requires thorough research by artists in order to honor both the aesthetics and cultural values associated with dragons from various periods. Though challenging, Minh finds this task extremely interesting.
In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, lacquer artisan Nguyen Tan Phat from Son Tay Town presented a collection of 1,000 dragon and fairy-themed artworks created using wood, lacquer, ceramics, and metals combined with lacquer art. Among Phat’s collection, the most exceptional pieces include a lacquer box adorned with depictions of dragons from different dynasties and a dragon chair embellished with 2,500 gold leaves, equivalent to 500g of 24-carat gold.
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| Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat showcased a collection of 1,000 dragon and fairy-themed artworks. Photo: Phunuvietnam |
“It took me two years to generate ideas and conduct research before incorporating the dragon image from the Ly Dynasty. I combined it with the solid and powerful five-clawed legs and dragon tail-shaped bodhi leaves found in Buddhism, which was prominent during the Ly Dynasty,” Phat explained.
In honor of the Year of the Dragon, Hceramic and Ve Lang have introduced the “Family of Dragons” product set featuring vibrant, cheerful designs that incorporate traditional folk imagery. These products can be found at 34 Chau Long, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, and 291 Dang Tien Dong, Trung Liet Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
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| Hceramic and Ve Lang present the “Family of Dragons” product set. Photo: Phunuvietnam |
The dragon image associated with the Year of the Dragon has been incorporated into ceramic works created by artist Tran Do, serving as a representation and wish for a prosperous new year.
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| Sculpture works by artist Tran Do. Photo: Phunuvietnam |
Vietnamese dragons throughout history have served as inspiration for Hien Van’s ceramic dragon works. The dragon heads feature intricate, yet harmonious details, creating a majestic appearance. Every dragon statue is meticulously polished and painted by skillful craftsmen using natural ash enamel colors.
Cultural researcher Tran Hau Yen The emphasizes that representing the dragon image in modern art requires not only thorough historical research but also interdisciplinary knowledge, including visual arts, graphic design, heritage studies, science, and technology…
According to Yen The, a Vietnamese beer brand incorporates a dragon image into its brand identity; however, the dragon has only three legs, which is incorrect and inconsistent with ancient beliefs.
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| Sculpture artwork by artist Nhat Long Chieu Ngoc. Photo: Phunuvietnam |
Therefore, he suggests that designers must have a deep understanding of the characteristics of dragons from different eras and fully respect the traditional attributes associated with dragons. Additionally, artists should incorporate personal creativity into their works, as it is only through knowledge and creativity that a piece becomes unique and distinctly stands out amidst creations generated by artificial intelligence, according to Yen The.
The lucky mini Golden Dragon statue can be utilized as a decorative item or placed in a fish tank. This statue set is available for purchase at pottery stores, priced at 160,000 VND for a set of four pieces.
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| The lucky mini Golden Dragon statue can be used for decoration or placed on a fish tank. Photo: Phunuvietnam |
Ancient house in Ma May
NDO – Ma May, a rare quarter that still retains several old houses, has created one of the characteristics of Hanoi. Hanoi’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded and traditional features can sometimes be hidden behind modern life. But if one takes the time to relax and look around, the ancient features begin to reveal themselves.
Art programme to welcome Lunar New Year’s Eve
NDO – A special art programme, bringing together many renowned and world-class artists from abroad, who are returning to Vietnam for the first time with their families to participate in the Lunar New Year’s Eve programme, which will be officially broadcasted on Vietnam Television (VTV) at 9:15 pm on January 24 (the Lunar New Year’s Eve).
“Japanese Culture Festival” opens in Da Nang city
NDO/VNA – The Da Nang Museum held the “Japanese Culture Festival” 2019 in the central city of Da Nang on March 10 to introduce the beauty of the culture, land and people of Japan to locals and visitors, thus contributing to the strengthening of cultural exchange between the two countries and bilateral friendship.
Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2018 opens
NDO – The Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2018 officially opened at the Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourism Area and Trang An Ecotourism Area, in the northern province of Ninh Binh on June 9.
Dong Thap hosts its first lotus festival
NDO – The first Lotus Festival opened at Van Mieu Park in Cao Lanh city located in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap on September 1.
