Antique street in Hue city

17:17' 17/07/2007 (GMT+7)

VietNamNet Bridge – In recent years, the section of Tran Hung Dao road along the Huong River has been turned into an antique street where all sorts of ancient objects are displayed on the pavement. These products range from ancient coins engraved with Han letters and pottery dating from Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties to old-style personal accessories like combs and hats. Most of the objects offered for sale here were accidentally found on the Huong River by local refuse collectors. These refuse collectors have gradually become professional sellers. They often sell things right after they find them. As for items that look particularly beautiful, they may keep them until somebody offers a high price for them. They also sell them to the various owners of antique stands on Tran Hung Dao road. In turn, these owners may keep valuable items for themselves or sell them to professional antique collectors. But it is tourists that are their biggest customers. Many of the objects offered on Tran Hung Dao road, however, aren’t in their original conditions due to primitive collection tools and processes. Ancient sellers on Tran Hung Dao road don’t just sell things. They’re willing to spend hours talking with tourists interested in antiques. And it doesn’t matter if after much talking and bargaining, customers don’t buy any. Mr. Thanh, who owns an antique stand on the Tran Hung Dao pavement, said while showing a handful of business cards: “These are all from customers but none of them bought anything. But since they are really passionate about antiques, I’m perfectly content.” Hue is well known for its coffee, mussel rice street, and drinking streets. But there hasn’t been any antique street. So, many say it’s time that the old imperial city should have one. Phuong Trang- Viet Nam Net