
I. Vietnamese Landscape Painting Traditions
II. Vietnamese Landscape Painting
III. Characteristics of Vietnamese Landscape Painting
IV. Major Vietnamese Landscape Painting Schools
V. Famous Vietnamese Landscape Painters
VI. Techniques of Vietnamese Landscape Painting
VII. Materials Used in Vietnamese Landscape Painting
VIII. Conservation of Vietnamese Landscape Paintings
IX. The Influence of Vietnamese Landscape Painting on Other Art Forms
Typical Questions
| Topic | Answer |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese Landscape Painting | A type of painting that originated in Vietnam and is characterized by its use of water and ink. |
| Water and Ink Painting | A type of painting that uses water and ink as its primary medium. |
| Asian Art | A term used to refer to the art of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. |
| Traditional Painting | A type of painting that is based on traditional techniques and materials. |
| Landscape Painting | A type of painting that depicts a landscape, such as a mountain range, a river, or a forest. |

II. Vietnamese Landscape Painting
Vietnamese landscape painting has a long and rich history, dating back to the 10th century. The earliest examples of Vietnamese landscape painting are found in the murals of the Tran dynasty (1225-1400). These murals depict scenes of everyday life in Vietnam, as well as scenes from Chinese mythology and history.
During the Le dynasty (1428-1788), Vietnamese landscape painting began to develop its own unique style. This style is characterized by its use of bold colors and its emphasis on the depiction of natural landscapes. The most famous Vietnamese landscape painter of the Le dynasty was Nguyen Trai (1380-1442). Trai’s paintings are known for their realism and their use of symbolism to convey political messages.
In the 18th century, Vietnamese landscape painting underwent a period of decline. This decline was due in part to the political instability of the time, as well as the influence of Western art. However, in the 19th century, Vietnamese landscape painting began to re-emerge. This re-emergence was led by a group of painters known as the Dong Ho school. The Dong Ho school’s paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and their depiction of everyday life in Vietnam.
In the 20th century, Vietnamese landscape painting continued to develop. This development was influenced by both traditional Vietnamese painting and Western art. The most famous Vietnamese landscape painter of the 20th century was Le Pho (1907-2000). Pho’s paintings are known for their use of bold colors and their expressionistic style.
Characteristics of Vietnamese Landscape Painting
Vietnamese landscape painting is characterized by its use of water and ink, its focus on the natural world, and its emphasis on simplicity and tranquility.
Water and ink is a traditional medium for painting in Asia, and it is used to create a variety of effects, from delicate washes of color to bold, dramatic strokes. Vietnamese landscape painters often use water and ink to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, and they often use the negative space in their paintings to create a sense of balance and tranquility.
The natural world is a common subject in Vietnamese landscape painting, and it is often depicted in a realistic or semi-realistic style. Vietnamese painters often use plants, animals, and natural features to create a sense of place and to evoke a mood.
Simplicity and tranquility are important values in Vietnamese culture, and they are reflected in the work of Vietnamese landscape painters. Vietnamese painters often use simple compositions and muted colors to create a sense of calm and serenity.
IV. Major Vietnamese Landscape Painting Schools
There are four major schools of Vietnamese landscape painting: the Northern School, the Southern School, the Dong Ho School, and the Lam Dong School. Each school has its own unique style and techniques.
The Northern School is the oldest and most traditional school of Vietnamese landscape painting. It is characterized by its use of muted colors and delicate brushstrokes. The Northern School painters often depicted scenes of rural life and landscapes of the northern mountains.
The Southern School is a more dynamic and expressive school of landscape painting. It is characterized by its use of bright colors and bold brushstrokes. The Southern School painters often depicted scenes of urban life and landscapes of the southern coast.
The Dong Ho School is a folk art school of landscape painting. It is characterized by its use of simple, stylized forms and bright colors. The Dong Ho School painters often depicted scenes of daily life and folktales.
The Lam Dong School is a modern school of landscape painting. It is characterized by its use of abstract forms and expressionistic techniques. The Lam Dong School painters often depicted scenes of the natural world and the human condition.
The four major schools of Vietnamese landscape painting have all had a significant impact on the development of Vietnamese art. They have helped to create a rich and diverse tradition of landscape painting that is unique to Vietnam.

V. Famous Vietnamese Landscape Painters
There are many famous Vietnamese landscape painters, including:
- Le Thi Hong Son (1796-1849)
- Ngoc Son (1823-1888)
- Hoang Van Thuy (1892-1942)
- Le Pho (1907-2001)
- Mai Trung Thu (1906-1980)
- Pham Van Dong (1920-2005)
- Vo Van Tan (1932-2004)
- Nguyen Gia Tri (1933-2018)
- Tran Luong (1940-2020)
- Le Thi Hong (born 1945)
- Tran Trong Vu (born 1948)
- Phan Thanh Hao (born 1951)
- Le Thi Thuy Hang (born 1954)
These painters are all masters of the Vietnamese landscape painting tradition, and their work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Their paintings depict the beauty of the Vietnamese landscape, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people.

VI. Techniques of Vietnamese Landscape Painting
Vietnamese landscape painting is a highly skilled art form that requires a great deal of technical expertise. The following are some of the most common techniques used in Vietnamese landscape painting:
- Wash painting (mực lai): This is the most basic technique used in Vietnamese landscape painting. It involves applying diluted ink to the surface of the paper in a series of washes.
- Dry brush painting (mực khô): This technique involves applying ink to the surface of the paper in a dry brushstroke. This creates a more textured and painterly effect.
- Line drawing (nét bút): This technique involves using a brush to draw the outlines of objects in the landscape.
- Shading (tô bóng): This technique involves using a brush to add shadows and highlights to objects in the landscape.
- Coloring (tô màu): This technique involves using a brush to add color to objects in the landscape.
These are just a few of the most common techniques used in Vietnamese landscape painting. There are many other techniques that can be used to create a variety of different effects.

VII. Materials Used in Vietnamese Landscape Painting
Vietnamese landscape paintings are typically made on rice paper or silk with ink and brush. The ink is made from carbon black, and the brush is made from animal hair. The paper or silk is stretched taut on a frame, and the artist uses the brush to apply the ink to the surface.
The choice of materials used in Vietnamese landscape painting is influenced by the climate and culture of the country. Rice paper is a lightweight and durable material that is well-suited to the humid climate of Vietnam. Silk is a more luxurious material that is often used for paintings that are intended to be displayed in homes or temples.
The use of ink and brush is also a traditional technique that has been used in Vietnamese art for centuries. The ink is used to create a variety of effects, from subtle washes of color to bold, dramatic strokes. The brush is used to create both fine lines and broad areas of color.
The materials used in Vietnamese landscape painting are essential to the creation of the finished work of art. The choice of paper or silk, the type of ink, and the brush all contribute to the overall look and feel of the painting.
Conservation of Vietnamese Landscape Paintings
The conservation of Vietnamese landscape paintings is a complex and challenging task, as these paintings are often made on fragile materials such as paper or silk. In addition, the traditional materials and techniques used in Vietnamese landscape painting can make them susceptible to damage from light, humidity, and pests.
Despite these challenges, there are a number of steps that can be taken to conserve Vietnamese landscape paintings. These steps include:
- Providing a stable environment for the paintings, with controlled levels of light, humidity, and temperature.
- Using non-invasive methods to clean the paintings.
- Restoring damaged areas of the paintings using traditional materials and techniques.
- Providing educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of conserving Vietnamese landscape paintings.
By following these steps, it is possible to help preserve Vietnamese landscape paintings for future generations.
IX. The Influence of Vietnamese Landscape Painting on Other Art Forms
Vietnamese landscape painting has had a significant influence on other art forms in the region, including Chinese landscape painting, Korean landscape painting, and Japanese landscape painting. Vietnamese landscape painters have borrowed techniques and motifs from Chinese landscape painting, but they have also developed their own unique style that is characterized by its use of bold colors and its emphasis on the depiction of natural scenery. Vietnamese landscape painting has also influenced the development of other art forms in Vietnam, such as pottery, lacquerware, and architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Topic
Q: What are the three main characteristics of Vietnamese landscape painting?
A: The three main characteristics of Vietnamese landscape painting are:
- The use of water and ink as the primary mediums.
- The emphasis on depicting nature in a realistic and naturalistic manner.
- The use of symbolism and allegory to convey deeper meanings and messages.
Q: What are the two major schools of thought that have influenced Vietnamese landscape painting?
A: The two major schools of thought that have influenced Vietnamese landscape painting are:
- The Northern School, which emphasizes the use of realism and naturalism.
- The Southern School, which emphasizes the use of symbolism and allegory.
Q: What is the role that Vietnamese landscape painting has played in Vietnamese culture?
A: Vietnamese landscape painting has played a significant role in Vietnamese culture for centuries. It has been used to depict the beauty of the natural landscape, to record historical events, and to convey religious and philosophical ideas. Vietnamese landscape painting has also been used as a form of political expression, and it has played an important role in the development of Vietnamese national identity.