A stroll through Vietnamese grocery stores: treasure hunting for lacquerware, bone artifacts, and ceramics

France, shaped by the influences of powerful colonial rule and wars, showcases both traditional and modern elements in its handicrafts. Whether it's wooden furniture in the "Indochina" style that blends French and Vietnamese features, the diverse styles of Annam pottery, or exquisitely embroidered clothing and bags in a variety of designs, bold and contrasting lacquerware, chopsticks and hairpins made from water buffalo horn—all are irresistibly enticing. In recent years, many designers from around the world have used Vietnamese artistic patterns and the craftsmanship of skilled artisans to create stunning works that have captivated the globe, making Vietnamese groceries and handicrafts truly hard to resist.

A Stroll Through Vietnamese Groceries

Thanks to the Vietnamese people's delicate handiwork and a touch of creativity, bags and purses are reborn as stunningly beautiful items. Whether in boutique shops on the street or small stalls in markets, a single glance can be enough to make your heart skip a beat. Bamboo baskets woven with embroidery, elegant embroidered coin purses, creatively designed bags adorned with sequins, and bags made with ethnic minority woven fabrics.

Vietnam has a history of ceramic production spanning at least 800 years. Over time, trade often involved shipping goods to China or Japan, leading to some design influences in its ceramics. Traditional Vietnamese porcelain patterns most commonly feature chrysanthemum red, green, or yellow tones in what is known as "Red Annam Pottery," which can be found in handicraft shops of all sizes across Vietnam. Other varieties include "Annam Blue Pattern" porcelain with pure blue designs, celadon in bluish-green hues, and black porcelain—all of which are favored by foreign designers. The market has also seen the emergence of Japanese Zen-inspired designs.

Saigon Kitsch features uniquely shaped products

Located in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, Saigon Kitsch is a grocery paradise that can easily drain your wallet. The store sells items that display the bold colors of 1950s Saigon, with a youthful, hippie vibe that’s very inviting. "Innovation" and "subversion" are successfully applied to Saigon Kitsch’s goods—such as cups and plates designed with images of ancient imperial rulers, old movies, vintage-style telephones, typewriters, and radios all reimagined in a fun way.

Additionally, there are colorful bamboo baskets, bags, and fans, jewelry boxes with floral backgrounds, and adorable yet sexy resort swimsuits, along with vibrantly colored birdcages—all of which are hard to resist taking home. The one-of-a-kind items come with a not-so-modest price tag, but if Saigon Kitsch really speaks to your taste, why not pick up a few pieces to take home and appreciate the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship?

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