The Nine Dynastic Urns, cast during the reign of King Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), have inspired a captivating exhibition titled “Echoes.” Opening in Hanoi on December 8, the exhibition showcases the creative interpretations of a collaborative team comprising lecturers and students from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, a fashion designer, and Bat Trang ceramic artisans.
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| Visitors admire the artistic motifs printed on the nine urns. Photos: Dinh Trung/The Hanoi Times |
Driven by a deep respect for Vietnam’s artistic heritage, the team has created a collection of works that celebrate the intricate designs embossed on these historic vessels. On display are 81 woodblock prints on do paper, a series of woodblock prints that stand on their own, 21 ceramic masterpieces, and 10 exquisite costumes embroidered on velvet and silk, all drawing inspiration from the 162 motifs gracing the urns.
The Nine Urns, beyond their symbolic representation of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, served as a “geography book of Vietnam” in the early 19th century. Their imposing presence is matched by their intricate craftsmanship, with intricate designs that symbolize power, stability, and dynastic continuity. These urns are a unique window into the geography and artistry of 19th-century Vietnam.
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| A fashion design piece inspired by the elegant lotus motif adorning the urns. |
Remarkably, after more than 180 years, the 162 motifs on the urns remain untouched by time. All nine urns still occupy their original positions within the temple, meticulously preserved, and stand as a testament to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. In 2012, they were declared national treasures, and in May 2024, the reliefs were inscribed in the Memory of the World Register, recognizing their immense historical value.
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| Paintings that bring to life the motifs carved onto the nine urns. |
Trang Thanh Hien, Manager of the Echoes project, shared that the exhibition aims to present a contemporary take on the designs of the Nine Dynasty Urns by adapting them to new materials such as wood, ceramics, and fabric. “We hope to promote the unique heritage of Vietnamese history and culture through these new interpretations,” she added.
The “Echoes” exhibition will be on display at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi until December 20, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in this fusion of historic motifs and modern creativity.
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