A watercolour painting called "Spring Landscape" done in 1989 by Trần Lưu Hậu (1928). — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Outstanding artworks in the Việt Nam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hà Nội allow visitors a vicarious experience of Tết (Lunar New Year) celebrations, which herald the arrival of spring, over the past seven decades.

The museum is located at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học Street in Ba Đình District. It is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Admission is VNĐ40,000 (US$1.7) for adults, and free for the elderly and children.

Traditional skills such as silk painting, lacquer and water painting are featured, as well as works from the 20th and 21st century.

Silk painting is one of the oldest art forms in Việt Nam. When Việt Nam University of Fine Arts (known as Indochina College of Fine Arts during the French colonial period) was founded in 1925.

Lacquer engraved painting is a challenging technique that requires mastery of careful sketching, composition, and light and dark markings.

Engraving details such as facial expressions demand a high degree of precision and meticulousness. Such a painting takes years to complete. — VNS