Antique collection serves as a means of preserving fragments of history and safeguarding the traditional values of a nation's golden past. Engaging in this timeless world of artefacts is no easy endeavor, it requires collectors to possess deep knowledge, an ability to discern authenticity, and an enduring love and passion for antiquities.

The Lam Kieu Coffee Shop is decorated with hundreds of antiques, helping young people understand more about the culture and traditional historical values of the country. Photo: T.V

An enthralling passion for antiques

Since the 1980s, Mr. Bach Loc, residing in Thanh Binh Ward, Hai Chau District, has journeyed from leading a team of nearly 60 scrap collectors to developing an unexpected passion for antique collecting. His home is like a miniature world of yesteryear, with each piece meticulously organised by type, value, and age.

Mr. Loc’s collection includes Vietnamese ceramics, Chu Dau pottery, memorabilia from different eras, and foreign artefacts such as clocks and oil lamps. His collection now exceeds 1,000 items, with ages ranging from a few decades to over a century. Known as a veteran in Da Nang's antique community, Mr. Loc also serves as the Head of Da Nang’s Antique Association under the Da Nang Cultural Heritage Society.

Born in Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue, Mr. Loc grew up watching his family cherish and display old items with pride, leaving a lasting impression on him. After moving to Da Nang post-reunification, he began trading in scrap materials. Over time, valuable antique pieces appeared among the scrap—items like bowls, clocks, and irons, which he kept, gradually building his collection.

“Whenever I heard about an antique, I would seek it out. Some trips took a week, and I’d spend all my money to buy it. I felt restless if I missed the chance,” Mr. Loc shared.

Collecting with true dedication

According to Mr. Loc, casual collecting is easy, but serious antique collecting requires knowledge, discernment, and genuine commitment. Over the years, his experience enabled him to master the art of identifying authentic pieces by assessing their shape, glaze, condition, and age. He notes, however, that true collectors must abide by regulations; items prohibited by the state must be willingly surrendered. Those who do so achieve the pinnacle of this distinguished pursuit.

Another dedicated collector, Mr. Truong Hoai Tuyen, residing in Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, started collecting antiques while sourcing scrap in provinces such as Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, and Phu Yen. Fascinated by the unique designs and craftsmanship, he began a collection focused on Cham and Vietnamese culture, particularly Chu Dau ceramics.

When asked why he collects antiques, Mr. Tuyen shared four reasons: firstly, antiques are handcrafted and possess distinctive beauty; secondly, they encapsulate historical eras, illustrating the craftsmanship of each period; thirdly, not every antique is easily acquired—it requires a genuine connection, as no amount of money guarantees an item’s availability; and finally, antiques hold a unique allure—one becomes more captivated the longer one gazes at them, a fascination that is hard to describe. "Like Mr. Loc, I pursue antiques within legal boundaries to make this hobby meaningful," Mr. Tuyen emphasised.

Lam Kieu antique café

Mr. Huynh Quoc Viet, residing in Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District and Head of Lam Kieu’s Antique Club, decided to open Lam Kieu Café nearly three years ago to combine business with his passion for antiques. The café has become a popular spot where young antique enthusiasts gather weekly to appreciate and learn about antiques.

Recalling his first acquisition, a centuries-old ceramic vase from Cu Lao Cham island, Quang Nam Province, he felt an enduring thrill that still persists with each new piece he adds to his collection. Through Lam Kieu Café, he hopes to share this joy and create a space where people, especially young visitors, can explore Viet Nam’s cultural heritage.

Lam Kieu Café’s displays include Vietnamese ceramics, Chu Dau pottery, and Chinese porcelain, with pieces ranging from cups and bowls to teapots, some dating back hundreds of years. Mr. Viet notes, “Antique collecting over the past 10 years inspired me to create a space that could convey the essence of a bygone era, a unique way to share the nation’s cultural and historical heritage with young people.”

Reporting by TUONG VY- Translating by TRUC VY