HCM CITY — The calligraphy market at the HCM City Youth Cultural House in District 1 has become a must-visit attraction for residents and visitors for taking photos and buying calligraphy works for Tết (Lunar New Year).

Having opened two weeks before Tết, the market is decorated with mai (ochna) and đào (peach blossom) trees set up along Phạm Ngọc Thạch and Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai streets and inside the Youth Cultural House.

More than 50 ông đồ (calligraphers), including men and women of varying ages, from calligraphy clubs in the city and neighbouring provinces are joining the event.

The artists, dressed in áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress), sit on mats arranged in an oval shape symbolising peace, similar to calligraphy markets in the past.

They are selling calligraphy works and lucky money envelopes in black and yellow ink on red paper, priced from VNĐ10,000 to VNĐ200,000 (US$0.4-8.6), depending on the craftsmanship, size and materials. Larger works cost VNĐ500,000 ($21.5) or more.

People traditionally hang the lucky money envelopes and small calligraphy works mai trees to wish for luck, happiness and prosperity.

The market will remain open until January 23 (one day before Lunar New Year’s Eve). — VNS

A corner of calligraphy market at the HCM City Youth Cultural House in District 1. — VNS photo by Phương Mai

A young calligrapher prepares a calligraphy work. — VNS Photo Phương Mai

Folk band Phù Sa takes photo with ông đồ (calligrapher). — VNS Photo by Phương Mai

A visitor buys calligraphy works to wish for luck, happiness and prosperity in Tết. — VNS Photo by Phương Mai

People dressed in áo dài visit the market to take colourful photos for Tết. — VNS Photo by Phương Mai