We recently returned from a wonderful visit to Vietnam where we were reminded of the vibrant and progressive mood of the country and its people. Vietnam has a young population and their spirit of optimism is infectious. Still fresh in our minds are the things so distinctly Vietnamese: the cuisine with its freshness and subtle flavours, the sight of Vietnamese women in their traditional dress, the ao dai, older women in conical hats selling their produce, ancient citadels resting amongst French and Chinese influenced architecture, cups of syrupy local Robusta coffee that keep you sharp as you cross the streets amidst buzzing, unrelenting traffic….
We returned with dozens of new photographs, soon to be added to the photo gallery, as well as some very special antiques from the collection of long time Hanoi resident, Nguyen and her partner. Nguyen graduated from Hanoi University of Foreign Linguistic Studies and her love of Vietnamese cultural objects led to her career as a major collector of Vietnamese ethnographica. She has supplied the Museum of Fine Arts of Vietnam with many extraordinary antiques and tribal textiles over the years as well as the MET in New York.
We acquired a few special pieces from her impressive collection to offer our clients including three ancient unearthed artefacts dating back from 400 B.C to 100 A.D – a spearhead, bronze pot handle and a small bracelet with a striking green-blue patina from the Dong Son Period. We also retuned with a beautiful ceramic vessel salvaged from the Cham Island Shipwreck in the South China Sea that is 528 years old. Other antique pieces include a Red Dao Shamanic Printing Block that was used for making ritual money. Several framed prints will soon be available in the gallery made from a variety of such antique blocks. We were given highly detailed information on each piece including its provenance, history and the artistic traditions of the time. A certificate of authenticity will be provided for each piece along with notes on the object purchased.
Also new to the gallery are several tribal textiles from the Ta Oi, Hmong and Dao minority people of Vietnam. One of most endearing tribal items we’ve ever acquired is a pair of antique young boy’s shoes from the Hmong in Lao Cai province. There are 53 ethnic minority peoples in Vietnam! From the Kinh people we offer a Ymon Panel, ‘The Burning Pearl’ made of cotton and embroidered with silk dating back to the early 20thC. Another relic of the past that we have never encountered before is a page from the book of a Thai Taoist Shaman from the 19thC written on parchment in beautiful script which has been framed.
We hope you enjoy viewing our new offerings and photos from Vietnam. If you have any questions about any of the items in the gallery please contact us at info@sabaidesignsgallery.com
