Neolithic sites, which are common around Europe, do exist in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, sites have been dated back to 8000BC. Artefacts have been unearthed, mostly tools, baskets and pottery. Even so, none of these are deemed to hold any real, artistic significance. The Bronze age (around 800BC) saw the introduction of Hinduism and Buddhism, within the indigenous cultures of the region. During this time, evidence reveals recognisable divisions in cultures, within this region. Some, being clearly more influenced by China (Buddhism) and others, by India (Hinduism)

Present day Vietnam, known as the Dong Son culture historically, was one of those areas, within Southeast Asia, most noted for drawing influence from China. Unlike many regions of the Orient, Bronze Age artefacts of incredible beauty have been excavated from the Don Son culture; the Don Son culture being highly skilled in the techniques of bronze casting. Typically, the decorative style of this region used much Greek key (geometric) and spiral detailing, upon daggers, lamps, and similar ornamentation.

By 111BC to 939AD, China dominated much of the Dong Son culture. From then on, Chinese tastes and techniques became predominant within the Vietnamese arts. In particular, artists began to apply Chinese techniques to ceramics, which swiftly developed during this time: Becoming far more ornate, than ever before. Although, the fundamental techniques of all Vietnamese arts, continued to be based upon on indigenous, traditional methods and therefore, remaining distinctive in character.

China, without question, had an enormous influence on traditional Vietnamese art. Not only during the country's rule, but also after Vietnam became a dependent country, which was during the tenth century. From then, until the fifteenth century, the arts of Vietnam continued to flourish. Chinese philosophy, such as Taoism and Buddhism, also continued to have a lasting influence upon Vietnamese art. Many of the country’s most famous Temples were constructed during the eleventh century - the Ly Dynasty. This time was considered as Vietnams 'Golden Age' of art. In the thirteenth century, Vietnamese art became more restrained, during the Tran Dynasty.

From 1407, for two decades, until 1427 the Ming Dynasty ruled Vietnam. This period is known as the 'Fourth Chinese Domination' and, although short lived, it was particularly harsh. Much of Vietnam’s classical literature was destroyed. Quite literally, the Chinese set out to begin the process of Signification, throughout Vietnam. As a consequence, Vietnamese arts produced during this time, reveals the heavy influence of the great Ming Dynasty. After the Chinese were overthrown, the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam, Nguyen Dynasty, began the exportation of Vietnamese ceramics and decoration; right all across Asia.

By the nineteenth century, French art had taken hold, hitting Vietnam like a tidal wave. By the twentieth century, French, fine arts institutions had been set up, which only taught European techniques - thus, becoming extremely influential upon the modern, contemporary art of Vietnam. During the twentieth century French modern art was extremely alive and well; especially thriving in cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Within modern Vietnamese art we see a blend of those eastern and western influences. This, for many, makes this particular style of Oriental canvas art, extremely appealing.