This book investigates the artistic and cultural output of Vietnam during a period of significant foreign influence, from 1900 to 1950. William C. Mitchell, drawing on years of experience living in the region, provides a detailed examination of Vietnamese craftspeople and manufacturers. The book explores the cultural context of various crafts, including lacquer work, carvings, textiles, and ceramics, offering insights into their meaning and significance within Vietnamese society. It serves as a crucial reference for collectors seeking to identify, understand, and value these artifacts.

This book is positioned as an essential reference for collectors of Southeast Asian artifacts, particularly those interested in Vietnamese craft items from the early to mid-twentieth century. The inclusion of 302 color photographs and detailed textual analysis aims to provide collectors with the necessary information to identify, understand the cultural significance of, and assess the value of these pieces. The author's extensive experience in the region lends authority to the presented information, suggesting a practical and informative resource for its intended audience.