Hue City, located in Thua Thien-Hue Province, has proudly added four royal antiques to Vietnam’s list of national treasures under a recent decision by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. These artifacts, housed in the Hue Imperial City and the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, represent significant milestones in the Nguyen Dynasty’s artistic and cultural legacy.
1. Ngo Mon Bell
- Date: 1822, during the reign of King Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- Location: Pavilion of Five Phoenixes, atop Ngo Mon Gate, the main southern entrance to the Hue Imperial City.
- Details:
- This bronze-cast artifact is unique and irreplaceable, once placed within the largest gate of the Imperial City.
- It served ceremonial purposes, symbolizing the governance and authority of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- The bell was integral to the feudal court’s administrative rituals, reflecting the era’s grandeur and order.
2. Stone Relief from King Minh Mang’s Era
Date: 1829, during King Minh Mang’s reign.
- Location: Displayed at Long An Palace, part of the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.
- Details:
- This marble relief is remarkable for the two engraved poems composed by King Minh Mang himself.
- It is the only surviving marble artifact associated with this monarch, showcasing the emperor’s intellectual and artistic contributions.
- The relief’s intricate craftsmanship and poetic inscriptions make it a vital piece of cultural history.
3. Throne of King Duy Tan
Date: Early 20th century, during the coronation of King Duy Tan in 1907.
- Location: Preserved at Long An Palace.
- Details:
- The throne was specifically designed for King Duy Tan, who ascended the throne at the tender age of seven.
- Its smaller dimensions reflect the young emperor’s stature and the care taken by the court in crafting this ceremonial piece.
- This artifact is not only a symbol of royal authority but also a testament to the traditions surrounding imperial coronations.
4. Dragon Statue from King Thieu Tri’s Reign
- Date: 1842, under the reign of King Thieu Tri.
- Location: Thai Hoa Palace, within the Hue Imperial City.
- Details:
- This bronze statue is considered a masterpiece of Nguyen Dynasty bronze casting.
- It portrays a coiled dragon, symbolizing an imperial golden seal, a representation of power and prosperity.
- Initially placed at Can Thanh Palace, the king’s private living and working quarters, the statue now resides at Thai Hoa Palace, adding grandeur to the historic site.
Significance of the Recognition
These four treasures are part of a list of 33 national treasures recently recognized by the Prime Minister. Each artifact offers invaluable insights into the cultural, artistic, and administrative practices of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty.
Conclusion
Hue’s recognition of these national treasures underscores the city’s rich heritage and its role as a center of Vietnamese history and culture. Visitors to Hue can explore these extraordinary artifacts and delve deeper into the stories of Vietnam’s imperial past.
Plan your visit today to experience firsthand the legacy of Hue’s imperial treasures and their timeless beauty.
