Arts

With a long history, traditional applied decorative arts contribute significantly to the National Fine Arts of Vietnam. Since prehistoric times, Vietnamese have known how to create shapes and use decorative patterns for their essential items, from clothing and jewelry to food containers and work tools, etc. The diverse ethnic identity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic cultures can be seen in these applied decorative products.

From its collection of applied decorative arts, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum selects and exhibits prominent objects, such as clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, weapons, work tools, children's toys, and so on, created by various ethnic groups. These artifacts highlight the richness of styles, designs, materials, patterns, colors, and methods of making traditional crafts in Vietnam. Visitors can appreciate the practicality of purpose, the beauty of creative thinking, and the mastery of professional skills. The collection also highlights the uniqueness of each ethnic group, imbued with both indigenous and borrowed elements from Far Eastern and Southeast Asian cultures. Such uniqueness creates a diversity of artistic expression which is unified under the umbrella of the National Fine Arts of Vietnam.