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Vietnamese Art
Vietnamese art has its roots from the
kingdom of Champa's and Chinese art. It is best typified by the sculpture
associated with architecture, in which lavish ornament is paired with
vigorous sensuality. As Champa art declined after the 13th century, China
held the Tonkin gulf area as a vassal state until the 10th century when the
Vietnamese in 938 seized power from the Tang. Therefore, much of the art
owes its influence to Chinese models and neighboring Champa styles. Of
particular note are ceramics similar to some provincial Sung Chinese wares.
Painting
Vietnamese painting dates back to the
13th century. Silk painting was one time preserve of scholar-calligraphers,
who also painted scenes from nature. Before the advent of photography,
realistic portraits were used in the ancestor worship. Today, some of these
still remains such as portraits of former head monks kept in Buddhist
pagodas. During the part century much of the country were stressed with the
wars atmosphere which were illustrated in the paintings. Most of them were
influenced by Western trends and had political rather than aesthetic or
artistic motives. However, recent economic liberalization has convinced many
young artists to abandon the revolutionary themes and concentrate on
producing commercial work.
Sculpture
The themes of traditional Vietnamese
sculpture were mainly of religious. It can be mostly seen in common pagodas,
temples and tombs, for example, the inscribed stelae (carved stone slabs or
columns) erected hundred years ago to commemorate the founding of the pagoda
or important national events. Chams also produced beautiful carved sandstone
figures for their Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries. Cham sculpture was
profoundly influenced by Indian art but, for centuries, it managed to
integrate Indonesian and Vietnamese elements.
Lacquerware
Art of making lacquerware was originally
from China and brought to Vietnam in the mid-15th century, before that
Vietnamese had used lacquer in practical ways such as for making things
watertight. It then became popular when Japanese teachers in the Fine Art
School (1930s) taught students to develop new styles and production methods.
Most of the lacquerware for sale today is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, which
appears to be of traditional design.
Ceramics
In ancient times, ceramic objects were
made by coating a wicker mould with clay and baking it. Later, ceramic
production became refined and each dynastic period is known for its
particular techniques and motifs.
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