Hanoi (VNA) - Illustrationsby famous contemporary painters have given a totally different look to twoclassics in Vietnamese literature.
The Dong A Book Company has republished Kieu’s Tale by Nguyen Du(1766–1820) and Luc Van Tien’s Tale by Nguyen Dinh Chieu (1822 – 1888)with new paintings being used to illustrate the epics.
The new paintings were put on display and later auctioned in Hanoi for a totalof 410 million VND (20,000 USD).
The illustration Doan Vien (Reunion) by Thanh Chuong fetched thehighest price at 65 million VND (3,000 USD).
Kieu’s Tale is considered the most famous work in Vietnamese literature.The story about the travails in the life of the beautiful and talented Thuy Kieuhas been translated into many languages.
The story of Luc Van Tien is a work where the talent, intelligence and dignityof the main protagonists, Tien and Kieu Nguyet Nga are met with hostility fromsociety at large.
Acting on a suggestion from the Dong A Company, nationally renowned painter ThanhChuong gathered several peers to join the project.
“Illustrating a masterpiece is a challenge as well as an exciting experiencethat the artists, whose passion adds colour to the literature, have never hadbefore,” Chuong said.
“With illustrations created by contemporary artists, we want to bring the workscloser to modern readers,” he said.
“To preserve our heritage and old values, we can’t just protect the originalworks, we should also renew them, making them suitable to present life.”
Chuong said the illustrations were very different from those in previouspublications. Works were chosen from 15 artists nationwide, capturing thediversity of Vietnamese contemporary fine arts.
Veteran artists like Phan Cam Thuong, Ha Tri Hieu, Nguyen Quan and Nguyen CongHoan have contributed their illustrations to the book.
The classics are available at bookshops nationwide for 250,000 VND (12 USD).-VNA
“Truyen Kieu” (The Tale of Kieu) – a literary legacy left by the great poet Nguyen Du – has transcended national borders to conquer the heart of poetry lovers on all continents.
A host of events have taken place worldwide to celebrate the 250th birth anniversary of the great poet Nguyen Du (1765), a World Cultural Figure who brought Vietnamese poetic language to a new high.
Electronic versions of various historical and folk legends of Vietnam have been widely launched via international e-book channels and libraries in Europe and the United States.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van by Dang Tien
