The dragon is a special symbol in Vietnamese culture and beliefs. Dragon is the leading mascot among the Four Sacred Animals. It is the pride of the lineage and origin of the Vietnamese people. Although dragons are not real, they are powerful, close, and attached to the Vietnamese people throughout history.

In each historical period, Vietnamese dragons transformed and exhibited unique features that reflected the rich imagination of talented and skillful craftsmen.

With such meanings and expressions, the dragon image has always inspired many contemporary artists. However, representing the dragon image in the work to express the message, artistic ideology, and personal impression is always a tough task for artists.

Artist Nguyen Minh believes that using dragon patterns and motifs in contemporary paintings requires careful research by artists to respect both the aesthetic and cultural values of dragons in different periods in contemporary work. He found this challenging but extremely interesting.

To welcome the New Year of the Dragon, Son Tay Town lacquer artisan Nguyen Tan Phat unveiled a collection of 1,000 dragon and fairy-themed works in wood, lacquer, ceramics, and metal combined with lacquer art. Among them, the most unique is the lacquer box with pictures of dragons through feudal dynasties and the dragon chair inlaid with 2,500 gold leaves, equivalent to 500g of 24-carat gold.

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat unveiled a collection of 1,000 dragon and fairy-themed works in wood, lacquer, ceramics, and metal combined with lacquer art. Photo: Phunuvietnam

"It took me two years to come up with ideas and research documents to decide to incorporate the Ly Dynasty dragon image, combined with the sturdy and strong 5-clawed legs and dragon tail-like bodhi leaves in Buddhism, a predominant region during the Ly Dynasty," said Phat.

To welcome the Year of the Dragon, Hceramic and Ve Lang introduce the "Family of Dragons" product set with cheerful, lively designs combining folk images. Dragons with mischievous and cheerful expressions are displayed at 34 Chau Long, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, and 291 Dang Tien Dong, Trung Liet Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.

Hceramic and Ve Lang introduce the "Family of Dragons" product set with cheerful, lively designs combining folk images. Photo: phunuvietnam

The dragon image symbolizing the Year of the Dragon is included in the ceramic works of Artist Tran Do to wish a prosperous new year.

Artist Tran Do's sculpture works. Photo: Phunuvietnam

Vietnamese dragons through the ages have been the inspiration for Hien Van's ceramic dragon works. The dragon's head is designed with unique, complex but coherent details, creating a majestic appearance. Each dragon statue is polished and meticulously painted by craftsmen with natural ash enamel colors.

Cultural researcher Tran Hau Yen The said the application of the dragon image in modern art requires not only careful historical research but also interdisciplinary knowledge, including visual arts, graphic design, heritage studies, science, and technology...

According to Yen The, a Vietnamese beer brand uses a dragon image in its brand identity, but the dragon has only three legs, which is wrong and inconsistent with ancient beliefs.

Artist Nhat Long Chieu Ngoc's sculpture artwork. Photo: Phunuvietnam

So he suggested that designers must master the characteristics of dragons of each era and fully respect the traditional characteristics of dragons. In addition, artists must bring personal creativity to their work, because only knowledge and creativity can make the work unique and not be confused with a product created by artificial intelligence, Yen The said.

The lucky mini Golden Dragon statue can be used for decoration or placed on a fish tank. The statue set is sold for 160,000 VND/4 pieces at pottery stores.

The lucky mini Golden Dragon statue can be used for decoration or placed on a fish tank. Photo: phunuvietnam

Amazing origami art works offer glimpse of Japanese culture to Hanoians Come to the Origami exhibition entitled “Wings”, you will be surprised with the transformation of what seems to be just some regular sheets of paper.

Vietnamese King Ham Nghi's Art Works Exhibited in France An exhibition of 150 art works and objects of exiled Vietnamese King Ham Nghi (1870-1947) is taking place at Nice Museum for Asian Arts in ...

Vietnamese, Polish Artists Showcase Art Works in Hanoi An exhibition in Hanoi introduces 169 works of painting and sculpture by Polish and Vietnamese artists.