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Photo: Thành Trung

Trái ngon mình nhìn, chứ mình không ăn
The Dutch-Vietnamese Five-fruit Tray

Acrylic, gold leaf, raisin, fiberglass
Collection of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands. To celebrate this significant milestone, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam invited Xuân-Lam to create an artwork reflecting the relationship between the two nations. The Netherlands, as the largest EU direct investor in Vietnam, with a cumulative investment of USD 13.71 billion by the end of 2022, collaborates closely with Vietnam in diverse fields, including trade, sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and water resources.

This sculpture explores the shared cultural and agricultural heritage of Vietnam and the Netherlands. Inspired by the traditional Vietnamese five-fruit tray (mâm ngũ quả), a symbol of gratitude and abundance during the Lunar New Year (Tết), the piece reimagines this custom with a selection of fruits—bananas, mangoes, papayas, dragon fruit, and apples—each chosen for its cultural and symbolic significance. The five-fruit tray embodies the hard work of Vietnamese farmers and the richness of the nation’s agriculture while also inviting interpretations of regional, seasonal, and personal influences.

Ceramics, a shared point of pride for both countries, play a central role in the piece. Vietnam’s millennia-old ceramic tradition and the Netherlands’ iconic “Delft Blue” ceramics, developed in the 17th century, serve as complementary influences. In the artwork, Xuân-Lam deconstructs and harmonizes ceramic motifs from both traditions, using them to adorn each fruit. This blend of artistry and symbolism recalls the enduring and optimistic relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands, creating space for viewers to reflect on the intersections of history, culture, and collaboration.

Besides the original hand-painted version, which is part of the Embassy's collection, Xuân-Lam collaborated with artisans from Bát Tràng village to create a ceramic version of the work. This version was presented as a gift from the Dutch Embassy to Vietnamese leaders. 

Read more about it here

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Additionally, Xuân-Lam designed a trophy for the "Five Tigers" awards, inspired by the Hàng Trống folk painting Mighty Tiger, to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the relationship between the two countries.

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Mighty Tiger (Dutch version), 2022
Pencil on paper, digital color
Trophy for the “Five Tigers” Awards - Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

Designed by Xuân Lam © 2025

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Designed by Xuân Lam © 2025

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