The Life of Ancient Vietnamese People as Depicted in the Decorative Patterns on Dong Son Bronze Vessels

THẢN Thị Hang

Bronze jars are among the precious artifacts of the Dong Son culture. These jars are relics of the Dong Son people, reflecting their indigenous character. They were indispensable artifacts in the lives of the Dong Son people at that time. Dong Son artisans invested considerable time and effort in meticulously decorating these bronze jars as works of art. The decorative themes on Dong Son bronze jars are diverse and rich. This diversity and richness of decorative motifs demonstrate the high aesthetic sense and skilful artistry of the Dong Son craftsmen. Through their works, they were not merely craftsmen but true artisans. The decorative art of the Dong Son artisans exhibits a high degree of realism. However, through these realistic phenomena, the artisans cleverly conveyed highly expressive messages from the past. The decorative art on bronze vessels in the Dong Son culture of the ancient Vietnamese not only demonstrate a unique artistic style but also a unity of thought and composition: using realistic imagery to convey the philosophy of life, of humanity in harmony with nature and all things.