The project is aimed to provide a source of Vietnamese ancient patterns to apply in different fields such as architecture and clothing. The book includes beautiful and delicate patterns from during the Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties.
Each pattern features distinctive features of each dynasty. For example, dragon in the Early Ly Dynasty had curvy manes, while dragons in Late Le Dynasty had a big nose.
"We can see the changes and exchanges of culture in those Vietnamese ancient patterns very clearly. Patterns in each feudal period were different from others. There were also exchanges with other cultures in the region.", Cu Minh Khoi - painter and Head of Dai Viet Patterns Project - said.
"The book provides a source for restoration activities. It is also a system for promoting ideas of beauty and art among previous generations", historian Duong Trung Quoc said.
The Dai Viet Patterns Project is the only project that involves young people. The participants collected patterns from all areas across the country over the course of a year. They then took photographs and digitally archived them so that they could be applied in different fields.
"When I wanted to use Vietnamese patterns for my designs, there were no reference sources. Now this book can provide me and other designers with a reference for our designs", graphic designer La Huyen Luong said.
The Dai Viet Patterns Project offers a new cultural preservation approach through technology. It also encourages young people to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture today.
