VIETNAMESE ANTIQUES: A collection of around 150 antiques dating back from the 15th to 20th centuries is being showcased at the Museum of HCM City as part of the city’s celebration of the coming Lunar New Year festival. Photo courtesy of the Museum of HCM City

The exhibition entitled Du Xuân – Cổ Ngoạn (Spring Wandering – Antiques Viewing) is co-organised by the museum and the city's Antiques Association.

It showcases around 150 items that are selected from the collections of the museum, the association’s members, and collectors from the provinces of Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu, Bến Tre, Tiền Giang, An Giang, and Thanh Hóa.

“The antiques at the exhibition reflect the development history and culture of the south and Việt Nam as the whole. It also shows the museum's and association’s efforts in collecting and preserving the country’s antiques to promote their historical and cultural significance among Vietnamese people and international tourists,” Đoàn Thị Trang, deputy director of the museum, said.

The highlights of the exhibition include royal seals from the Lê – Mạc dynasties (1428-1592) to the Nguyễn dynasty (1802-1945).

Among them, there are seals of Nguyễn dynasty mandarins who were in charge of discovering the southern land.

The showcase includes a collection of ceramic statues of gods such as Buddha and Bodhisattva which reflect the religious life of residents and communities in the south.

A collection of ceramic tea sets, vases, and food trays are displayed as well.

The items are from the famous ceramic villages in the southern region at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, including Cây Mai ceramics of HCM City, Biên Hòa ceramics, and Bình Dương ceramics.

The exhibition also highlights pháp lam ceramic artefacts, which were produced only for Nguyễn royalty.

Pháp lam is a technique of painting enamel on ceramic and metal (gold, silver, copper) objects, introduced into Việt Nam in the early 19th century. At their finest, the products of pháp lam are considered a combination of the ceramics with jewelry.

LEARNING HISTORY: Students from a school in the city visit the exhibition. Photo courtesy of the Museum of HCM City

“The exhibition offers an opportunity for the community, particularly young people, to learn about the country’s history and culture through stories of unique artefacts,” Lê Thanh Nghĩa, chairman of the city Antiques Association, said.

On the occasion of the exhibition, the association’s members also gifted their collected items to the museum.

The exhibition remains open until April 16 at 65 Lý Tự Trọng Street in District 1. VNS