Art & Craft shopping in Vietnam
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Hieu Phuc Loi
Local watercolour artists all have their own stamp with which they sign their works. Such elegantly designed, personalised stamps can be purchased at cluttered little shops such as this one for around ₫35 or more. The designs are hand-carved on wood blocks, and you'll get a red-ink stamp pad along with your purchase. Stick around to watch 'em make yours.
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Art Galleries
The presence of numerous tourists has turned the fake-antique business into a major growth industry for Hoi An. Theoretically you could find something here that is really old, but it's hard to believe that all the genuine stuff wasn't scooped up long ago. Proceed with scepticism. On the other hand, there is some really elegant artwork around, even if it was turned out only yesterday.
Paintings are generally of the mass-produced kind, but are still hand-painted; for a few US dollars you can't complain. A row of Art Galleries, inside the gorgeous old buildings just across from the Japanese Covered Bridge, are great to browse through.
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Ha Gallery
In this busy atelier, half a dozen painters crouch before easels and knock out reproductions of classic paintings such as the Mona Lisa and Edward Hopper's Nighthawks. The quality of the works varies and would never be mistaken for the originals - but, let's face it, you can't afford the originals (these copies cost from US$40). You can also commission portraits of yourself, your sweetheart or your dog.
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Blue Space Gallery
HCMC is brimming with art galleries. Good places to browse are the handful of galleries around the Fine Arts Museum and along Ð Dong Khoi. You’ll find excellent top-quality works at the Blue Space Gallery. This place will ship world-wide. For low-quality reproductions of famous paintings, visit the painting shops along Ð Bui Vien in Pham Ngu Lao.
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Vinh Loi Gallery
HCMC is brimming with art galleries. Good places to browse are the handful of galleries around the Fine Arts Museum and along Ð Dong Khoi. You’ll find excellent top-quality works at the Vinh Loi Gallery. This place will ship world-wide. For low-quality reproductions of famous paintings, visit the painting shops along Ð Bui Vien in Pham Ngu Lao.
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Lacquer & Oil
HCMC is brimming with art galleries. Good places to browse are the handful of galleries around the Fine Arts Museum and along Ð Dong Khoi. You’ll find excellent top-quality works at Lacquer & Oil. This place will ship world-wide. For low-quality reproductions of famous paintings, visit the painting shops along Ð Bui Vien in Pham Ngu Lao.
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Dong Phong Art Gallery
One of Hanoi's best art galleries, this neat shop stands out by selecting a small number of works by serious artists. Owner Pho Hong Long has a discerning eye, is very easy-going, and speaks English well enough to teach you about the current scene. Older works by beaux-arts alumni are also exhibited here. Mr Pho can arrange studio visits with some artists.
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Art Vietnam
One of Hanoi's most reputable galleries, Art Vietnam is an essential stop for any serious collector. Works by local (and some foreign) artists address contemporary issues of rapidly changing Hanoi. Look for Nguyen The Son's power-line cityscapes, Nguyen Manh Hung's studies of Hanoi traffic and Peter Steinhauer's awesome large-format photographic prints.
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Oriental Gallery
Facing Hoan Kiem Lake, this gallery isn't as big as the Hang Gai establishments, and some of the works aren't as polished. Many of the artists are less well known, and some are perhaps more interested in taking chances than carving niches. These differences actually work in Oriental Gallery's favour. It's definitely worth a look.
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Ceramics Shops
Vietnam has a great reputation for its ceramics, and while much of what is on sale here comes from around Hanoi, it is worth stocking up if you are only visiting central Vietnam. The black pottery with a glassy glaze is particularly striking. It's best to browse the strip of small Ceramics Shops along the riverfront.
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Codo Gallery
Refreshingly, not everything exhibited here appears to have been produced in the last year. The collection seems endless, with always another flight of stairs or an unopened door awaiting, but it's worth venturing all the way in. Some of the more intriguing, though perhaps less popular, works are hidden away.
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Apricot Gallery
Many of Hanoi's most accomplished contemporary artists are shown at this immense, multistorey gallery. You're also likely to encounter older works by local masters. A visit is an illuminating and highly hospitable experience.
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XQ
At this place designed to look like a traditional rural village, you are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of green tea as you wander around. You can watch the artisans at work in the embroidery workshop and gallery.
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Phu Quoc Crafts
Located right opposite the airport, this cafe-gallery has a nice range of locally made handicrafts, such as candles, bags and cutlery. The cafe is a good place to wait for a flight, with tasty shakes and light meals.
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Thang Long Gallery
This gallery has a lot of commercial art, like Bui Huu Hung's courtly lacquers, but also exhibits a few of Ly Tran Quynh Giang's brooding blue oils.
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Mai Handicrafts
Fair-trade shop dealing in ceramics, ethnic fabrics and other gift items which, in turn, support disadvantaged families and street children.
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Suffusive
Gallery dedicated to showcasing innovative paintings from talented young Vietnamese artists. Features regularly changing exhibitions.
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Mai Gallery
Run by resident artist Mai, this is a good place to learn more about Vietnamese art before making a purchase.
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