The Most Popular Art Form in Vietnam, Ranked

Choose the art form you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:29
Cultural expressions serve as a bridge connecting diverse communities, and ranking these expressions helps highlight what resonates most with people. In Vietnam, art forms not only reflect the country's rich history and traditions but also serve as a barometer of contemporary cultural preferences. Such rankings offer insights into what locals and enthusiasts appreciate most, indicating trends that might not be immediately obvious. By participating in these rankings, users contribute to a larger narrative of cultural appreciation and learning. Each vote is a testament to the influence and impact of Vietnamese art forms, helping to shape a collective understanding of cultural value. This not only enriches the user's experience by empowering them to voice their preferences but also enhances the visibility and appreciation of local art forms globally.

What Is the Most Popular Art Form in Vietnam?

  1. 1
    43
    votes
    This art form is based on the use of silk, bamboo, and ink. The paintings depict different themes such as landscapes, religious themes, and folk tales.
    Traditional Vietnamese Painting, also known as Dong Ho Painting, is a unique art form in Vietnam that has a long history and rich cultural significance. It originated in the Dong Ho village, Bac Ninh province, and has been passed down through generations for centuries.
    • Style: Folk art
    • Materials: Handmade paper, natural colors
    • Themes: Daily life, folklore, landscapes, festivals
    • Colors: Limited palette of natural colors
    • Technique: Woodblock printing, hand-painting
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    Water Puppetry
    Gryffindor · CC BY-SA 3.0
    An ancient Vietnamese art form that originated in the 11th century. It involves the use of puppets on water with the help of skilled puppeteers. The puppetry shows depict daily life in Vietnam and are accompanied by traditional music.
    Water Puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that combines puppetry, music, and storytelling. It involves performing with puppets on the surface of water, creating a unique and enchanting visual effect.
    • Origin: Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Historical Significance: Water Puppetry dates back to the 11th century
    • Themes: Usually depict scenes from rural life, folklore, and historical events
    • Puppet Construction: Made of waterproof materials like wood and lacquer
    • Puppeteers: Control the puppets using long bamboo rods and are hidden behind a screen
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    This art form involves the use of lacquer to create a glossy finish on paintings. The paintings depict various themes such as landscapes, nature, and human life.
    Lacquer painting is a traditional art form in Vietnam that involves applying layers of natural lacquer onto a wooden surface and then decorating it with various materials, such as eggshells, gold leaves, and crushed seashells, to create intricate and vibrant artworks. The lacquer technique, also known as sơn mài, has been practiced in Vietnam for centuries and holds significant cultural and artistic value.
    • Materials: Wood, natural lacquer, pigments, various decorative materials
    • Process: Applying multiple layers of lacquer, followed by drying, polishing, and decoration
    • Durability: Lacquer paintings can last centuries with proper care.
    • Colors: Lacquer paintings feature a rich palette of vibrant and contrasting colors.
    • Themes: Common subjects include nature, landscapes, daily life, and mythology.
  4. 4
    24
    votes

    Vietnamese Calligraphy

    Nguyễn Hữu Lợi
    It is a form of writing that has been developed over the centuries. It is often used to write poetry and other literary works.
    Vietnamese Calligraphy, also known as Thư pháp (the art of writing), is a traditional form of fine art and one of the most popular art forms in Vietnam. It involves the skillful writing of stylized Chinese characters using a brush and ink on various types of paper or silk.
    • Origin: Derived from Chinese calligraphy but with distinct Vietnamese influences
    • Tools: Brush, ink, paper or silk
    • Writing System: Chinese characters (Han script)
    • Styles: Regular script, running script, cursive script, seal script, etc.
    • Usage: Decorative purposes, art displays, ceremonial events, and personal expression
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    This art form involves the use of clay to create pottery, vases, and other decorative items. The ceramics are often painted with intricate designs and patterns.
    Ceramics is an art medium that involves creating objects, usually out of clay, and firing them at high temperatures in a kiln to achieve hardness and durability. It has a long history dating back thousands of years, with various cultures around the world developing their own unique ceramic traditions. Ceramic artworks can range from pottery vessels to sculptural forms and decorative objects.
    • Material: Clay
    • Firing Process: Kiln
    • Temperature Range: From around 1,000°C to over 1,200°C
    • Types of Clay: Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain
    • Surface Techniques: Glazing, Painting, Carving, Sgraffito
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Folk Music
    Аркадий Зарубин · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This type of music is popular among the Vietnamese people. It is often played using traditional instruments such as the dan bau, dan tranh, and dan nguyet. The music is used to tell stories and convey emotions.
    Folk music in Vietnam is a traditional art form that reflects the rich cultural heritage and history of the country. It is a type of music that has been passed down through generations, connecting people with their roots and portraying various aspects of Vietnamese life and society.
    • Genres: Folk music encompasses various genres such as quan họ, chèo, xẩm, ca trù, nhạc dân tộc cải biên, and many more.
    • Instruments: Traditional Vietnamese musical instruments like đàn tranh (16-string zither), đàn bầu (monochord), đàn nguyệt (two-stringed moon lute), đàn tỳ bà (pear-shaped lute), and đàn nhị (two-string fiddle) are commonly used in folk music.
    • Lyrics: Folk music lyrics often narrate tales of love, daily life, folklore, historical events, and social issues. They are usually poetic and carry deep meanings.
    • Vocal Style: Vocal styles in folk music range from gentle and melodic to lively and energetic. Harmonizing and call-and-response singing techniques are commonly employed.
    • Regional Variations: Vietnam's diverse regions have contributed to the development of distinct regional variations of folk music, each with its own unique characteristics and musical elements.
    Folk Music in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Wood Carving
    Philippe Theurey · Public domain
    This art form involves the use of wood to create sculptures and decorative items. The wood is often carved with intricate designs and patterns.
    Wood carving is an ancient and cherished art form in Vietnam, characterized by the intricate carving of wood to create stunning sculptures, furniture, decorative objects, and architectural elements. It has been practiced for centuries and continues to be a popular and respected craft in the country.
    • Materials: Various types of wood are used, including jackfruit, ebony, sandalwood, and teak
    • Techniques: The art of wood carving involves meticulous hand carving and shaping using chisels, knives, and other carving tools
    • Themes: Common themes include nature, mythology, folklore, and everyday life
    • Styles: Wood carvings in Vietnam display various styles, from highly detailed and realistic to more abstract and symbolic
    • Sizes: Wood carvings can range in size from small intricate figurines to large-scale sculptures and architectural elements
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Vietnam is known for its silk production and silk weaving. The silk is often dyed with natural dyes and woven into beautiful fabrics.
    Silk weaving is a traditional and highly regarded art form in Vietnam. It involves the intricate process of creating beautiful fabric using silk threads. The craftsmanship and skill required in silk weaving have been passed down from generation to generation, making it an important cultural heritage in Vietnam.
    • Material: Silk threads
    • Technique: Hand weaving
    • Patterns: Various traditional designs
    • Colors: Vibrant and diverse
    • Tools: Loom, shuttle, bobbins, comb
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    Martial Arts
    pfctdayelise · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Martial Arts

    Grandmaster Nguyen Loc
    Vietnam has a rich history of martial arts. It is often used for self-defense and physical fitness. The most popular martial art in Vietnam is Vovinam.
    Martial Arts, also known as Vovinam, is a popular art form in Vietnam that encompasses a wide range of combat techniques. It combines self-defense, physical training, and spiritual development, making it both a martial art and a lifestyle. The practice of Martial Arts teaches discipline, concentration, and respect for oneself and others.
    • Origin: Vietnam
    • Year of Creation: 1936
    • Philosophy: Combines Eastern martial traditions with modern principles
    • Training Techniques: Hand strikes, kicks, grappling, throws, weapon techniques
    • Uniform: White V-neck jacket, black pants, belt
    Martial Arts in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Theatre is a popular art form in Vietnam. It is often used to tell stories and convey emotions. The most popular form of theatre in Vietnam is Cheo.
    Theatre is a popular art form in Vietnam that combines various elements like storytelling, acting, music, dance, and visual arts to convey narratives and emotions. It is a dynamic form of entertainment that engages audiences with its vibrant performances and cultural context.
    • Traditional and Modern Forms: Vietnamese theatre encompasses both traditional forms, such as hat tuong (classical opera) and cheo (folk theatre), as well as modern forms that incorporate contemporary themes and techniques.
    • Costumes and Props: Theatre in Vietnam is characterized by elaborate costumes, masks, and props that reflect the historical and cultural aesthetics of the region.
    • Live Music and Instruments: Music plays a significant role in Vietnamese theatre, with live orchestras or ensembles using traditional instruments like the dan bau (monochord zither), dan nguyet (moon-shaped lute), and various percussion instruments.
    • Storytelling and Moral Messages: Theatre in Vietnam often incorporates moral messages and traditional folklore in its storytelling, promoting values such as loyalty, filial piety, and respect for ancestors.
    • Physical Performances and Gestures: Performers in Vietnamese theatre rely on physical expressions, gestures, and movements to convey emotions and communicate with the audience.

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular art form

  1. Cultural significance and historical roots
    Consider how deeply the art form is ingrained in Vietnamese culture and history. This could include examining its origins and how it has evolved over time, as well as its role in preserving and promoting cultural values.
  2. Current popularity and audience reach
    Determine how popular the art form is among Vietnamese people today, both locally and internationally. This could involve looking at the number of performances, exhibitions, or events held, as well as media coverage and social media presence.
  3. Accessibility and inclusivity
    Assess whether the art form is accessible to people from various socio-economic backgrounds, age groups, and regions of Vietnam. This may involve looking at factors such as cost, availability, and ease of learning or participating in the art form.
  4. Influence and impact on other art forms
    Consider how much the art form has inspired or influenced other artistic disciplines in Vietnam, whether it be in terms of style, technique, or themes.
  5. Level of innovation and evolution
    Evaluate the extent to which the art form is continuously evolving and adapting to contemporary tastes and cultural changes, while still retaining its unique Vietnamese identity.
  6. Government support and promotion
    Analyze the level of support that the Vietnamese government provides to the art form, such as funding, education, and the promotion of events or exhibitions. This could reflect the importance placed on the art form as part of the country's cultural heritage.
  7. International recognition and acclaim
    Investigate whether the art form has gained recognition and acclaim outside of Vietnam, such as through international exhibitions, awards, or collaborations with foreign artists.
  8. Contribution to the local economy
    Assess the role that the art form plays in the local economy, such as through tourism, job creation, and contributions to local businesses.
  9. Sustainability and environmental impact
    Consider the potential environmental impact of the art form and whether it promotes sustainable practices and materials.
  10. Educational value
    Analyze the extent to which the art form provides learning opportunities and fosters an appreciation for Vietnamese culture and history, particularly among younger generations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular art form in Vietnam. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or artform is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2220 views
  • 166 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each artform once every 24 hours. The rank of each artform is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular art form in vietnam

Vietnam is a country rich in culture and history, with a strong tradition of art and creativity. From traditional folk art to contemporary works, there are many different art forms that are popular in Vietnam. One of the most beloved forms of art in Vietnam is lacquer painting, which has been practiced for centuries. Another popular art form is silk painting, which is known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. Other popular art forms in Vietnam include calligraphy, sculpture, and theater. With a deep appreciation for art and a strong sense of cultural identity, it's no surprise that Vietnam has produced some of the most talented artists in the world.

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