Painting Set Depicts Vietnamese Occupations from 100 Years Ago
Sketches of artisans making handmade pottery, weaving mats, and knitting hammocks reflect the industrious labor traditions of the Vietnamese people, especially the Southerners.
"Sketches on Indochina - Cochinchina" was published by the Ho Chi Minh City Culture and Arts Publishing House, now belong to the Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City General Science Library.
The collection of hundreds of sketches reflects the socio-economic-cultural life in Saigon and Southern Vietnam in the early twentieth century. The set was painted by Gia Dinh School of Drawing (predecessor of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts), Association of Decorators, Engravers, and Lithographers in Gia Dinh, under the direction of J.G. Besson, Inspector of Art Schools in Cochinchina.
It was once published n the 1930s by Oriental Publishing House (Paris) under the name Monographie Dessinée de L'Indochine - Cochinchine.
 |
| Sketch of Indochina - Cochinchina covers a variety of topics: landscapes, monuments, economic life, and occupations in Saigon and Cochinchina. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| Women weaving mats. An elderly woman wraps thread to the pointed end of the twig to push it through the warp of the loom. Another woman pressed the yarn down. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| An elderly woman knitting a hammock. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| Artisans in a ceramic workshop. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| An old man who makes wine. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| Not only reflecting traditional artisans and workers, the set of paintings also depicts handicraft products sold in shops in the city. The above picture paints a shop in Chuong Duong wharf, Saigon. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| Decoration shop in Saigon. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| A shop that sells bamboo products. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| A man cutting tobacco leaves. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| A group of men building a house. (Photo: Zing News) |
 |
| Shoe repairers. (Photo: Zing News) |
 | Complete Guide to Vietnamese Grave-visiting Festival Thanh Minh, also called the grave-visiting festival, is often mentioned in Vietnamese literature and poetry. It is a loving ritual, despite its macbre nature. |
 | Vietnam's Traditional Fishing Gear Exhibition Established in Saudi Arabia The Embassy of Vietnam to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a corner to display traditional Vietnamese hand-held fishing gear at the Alfelwah & ... |
 | Heritage Space of Vietnamese Cultural Specialties in Hanoi's Old Quarter Established in 2015, Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center has been a gathering spot for those who love to learn about Vietnamese traditional culture and ... |
Recommended
Viet's Home
Ho Chi Minh And Deep Admiration in the Memories of International friends
Uncle Ho is a shining symbol of the ideal of national independence associated with socialism, patriotism, compassion, profound wisdom and boundless sacrifice for the people and the Fatherland. In a recent interview on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19, 1890 - May 19, 2025), international friends share their views on the image of Vietnam as a peace-loving country, focusing on economic development and caring for the lives of all people.
May 20, 2025 | 14:39
Viet's Home
Meaningful People-to-people Diplomacy Activities in Bac Giang, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City
On May 18, many people-to-people diplomacy activities took place in the key regions of Bac Giang, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association celebrated its 26th anniversary, affirming the strong friendship between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association in Dong Nai province and Ho Chi Minh City organized a visit to the Relic of Delegation 125, continuing to strengthen the solidarity and attachment between the people of the two countries.
May 20, 2025 | 14:36
Viet's Home
Brand New Vietnamese Language Training Program Launches in Hanoi
On May 18, in Hanoi, the University of Languages and International Studies (Vietnam National University Hanoi) held a launching ceremony for the training program teaching Vietnamese as a foreign language (in the field of Vietnamese Language and Culture).
May 20, 2025 | 14:29
Viet's Home
Spirit of President Ho Chi Minh’s Diplomacy Fully Reflected in Vietnam’s Current Diplomacy
To mark the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh reflects on the "treasure trove" of diplomacy he left behind—still shining brightly today and for generations to come.
May 20, 2025 | 08:56
Viet's Home
Vietnam Through Paintings of Overseas Children in Japan
On May 18, in Osaka, the General Association of Vietnamese in the Kansai region, in collaboration with Cay Tre Vietnamese Language School, hosted the award ceremony for the painting contest themed Homeland Vietnam. The event also commemorates Children's Day on June 1, providing a meaningful and joyful experience for Vietnamese children in Japan.
May 19, 2025 | 11:47
Viet's Home
Uncle Ho through Documents and Artistic Creations
On the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2025), Hanoi hosted numerous exhibitions celebrating his life, career, and ideology. These events honored his legacy as an outstanding revolutionary leader and a great cultural figure, not only of Vietnam but of the world.
May 19, 2025 | 10:44
Viet's Home
Compassion House - John Donovan Project Supports 10 Great Solidarity Houses in Tien Giang
From May 12 to 14, the Tien Giang Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Cai Lay District and local authorities, held a handover ceremony for 10 Great Solidarity Houses to poor households and families facing housing difficulties.
May 16, 2025 | 09:17
Viet's Home
Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Flood Risk Warning in Vietnam
Through a workshop titled "Application of Science and Technology in Flood Risk Management in Vietnam”, the organizers hope to promote initiatives that apply science and technology in disaster prevention and control, disseminate practical lessons learned, and contribute to building safe, climate-resilient communities.
May 15, 2025 | 11:03