Travel

The Talented Young Calligraphers: A Showcase of Traditional Vietnamese Art in Saigon

Uncover the traditional beauty of 'Calligraphy Masters' during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations, a captivating tradition that attracts both locals and foreign tourists alike, right in the heart of vibrant Saigon!

Administrator

11 July, 2024

The beauty of Vietnamese culture is preserved and promoted through the ‘Street of Scholars’, where talented young calligraphers and painters, known as the “9x Scholars”, showcase their skills in Saigon. This unique attraction captivates both local and foreign tourists, especially the younger generation who are fascinated by traditional art forms.

1 Preserving Traditional Beauty Through the Brushstrokes of the “9x Scholars”

Preserving Traditional Beauty: The “9x Scholars” Make Their Mark

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a small street named “Street of Scholars” located near the House of Youth Culture in District 1, comes alive during the Tet holiday season with a bustling crowd of visitors. They come to admire, take photos, and especially to seek calligraphy and paintings from the young artists.

What surprises many first-time visitors is the youthfulness of the calligraphers and painters manning the stalls. Some are barely in their twenties, yet they possess extraordinary skills in creating intricate calligraphy and artwork.

Masterful Calligraphy and Painting Skills on Display

Beyond writing on paper, these young artists also showcase their talents by creating calligraphy and paintings on familiar objects such as fans, drums, and lucky red envelopes, infusing them with beautiful messages.

2 Inheriting and Developing the Essence of Vietnamese Culture

Calligraphy is an integral part of Vietnam’s ancient cultural heritage, especially during the Tet holiday season. The familiar sight of scholars dressed in traditional ao dai and khan dong, patiently writing calligraphy, evokes nostalgia and a sense of cultural pride.

Inheriting and Celebrating Vietnam’s Cultural Essence

One of the young scholars, Nguyen Thanh Dat, shared his journey into the world of calligraphy: “In the beginning, it was challenging. I had to practice writing the same character over and over, and the cost of paper and ink added up. But after a year of dedicated practice, I mastered the art.”

Another talented scholar, Hoang Viet, expressed similar sentiments: “When I first started learning calligraphy, I felt like a first grader. I had to start with the basics, learning each stroke and how to form letters and then combine them into complete poems.”

Hoang Viet, a Young and Talented Calligrapher

Despite the challenges and dedication required, these young scholars have persevered and honed their craft to pursue their passion and carry on the country’s rich cultural heritage, sharing it with the younger generation.

Take some time to visit the Street of Scholars and immerse yourself in the artistic talents of these young Vietnamese artists. You can also request your own personalized calligraphy masterpiece to cherish and share with your loved ones!

Frequently asked questions

The article celebrates the talent of young Vietnamese calligraphers, showcasing their traditional art form in the modern city of Saigon. It highlights the beauty and skill involved in calligraphy, and how these artists are keeping the ancient practice alive.

The article mentions three young, talented Vietnamese calligraphers – Nguyễn Thái Bảo, Nguyễn Minh Tân, and Trần Trọng Nhân. Each artist has a unique style and approach to calligraphy, and they are all dedicated to preserving and promoting this traditional art form.

The article discusses various styles of Vietnamese calligraphy, including ‘Thư pháp’, which focuses on the aesthetic arrangement of Chinese characters, and ‘Nôm calligraphy’, which uses Vietnamese characters. It also mentions the more modern ‘Latin calligraphy’, which uses the Latin alphabet and is influenced by Western calligraphy styles.

These talented young calligraphers are passionate about their art form and are actively promoting it through exhibitions, workshops, and social media. They are also innovating and experimenting with new styles, while still respecting and preserving the traditional techniques and aesthetics of Vietnamese calligraphy.

The article mentions a few places in Saigon where one can appreciate and learn about Vietnamese calligraphy. This includes the Vietnam Calligraphy Camp, a space dedicated to promoting the art form, and the Temple of Literature, where calligraphy is often featured in exhibitions.