Market scene in the Đông Hồ folk tradition, twentieth century (from Saigoneer) [Possible deviations from the traditional Đông Hồ style due to the more detailed composition with finer lines and less intense colors]
*Sài Sơn Mountain (also known as Thầy Mountain) is located in Sài Sơn Commune, Quốc Oai District, Hà nội. This picturesque area is also renowned for the Thầy Pagoda and Cắc Cớ Cavern.
translated from the Vietnamese by Thúy Ðinh
Look, The Maker has built for the ages
An open market on Sài Sơn Mountain
On windswept mornings and sun-soaked afternoons
Cloud-veiled evenings and moonlit nights
Nature’s lush bounties are displayed year round
Eager players stake their bets on mountains, rivers
Peddlers of fame and fortune lurk in every corner
Stay true! Don’t try to bluff your wager.
Chợ Giời Núi Sài Sơn
Hoá công xây đắp bấy bao đời
Nọ cảnh Sài Sơn có chợ giời
Buổi sáng gió tuôn trưa nắng dãi
Ban chiều mây họp tối trăng soi
Bầy hàng hoa quả quanh năm đủ
Rải thẻ giang sơn bốn mặt ngồi
Bán lợi mua danh nào những kẻ
Chả nên mặc cả một hai nhời
Copyright © 2026 Thúy Đinh. Used with the permission of the translator.