Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 18, 2024 signed Decision No 73 recognizing some artifacts as national treasures, including the pair of stone dragons, now kept and preserved at the Co Loa relic site in Co Loa commune in Dong Anh district in Hanoi.

Stone steps are placed in front of the outer gate, Co Loa Temple, dedicated to King An Duong Vuong, the founder of the Au Lac State in the 3rd century BC. The two sides of the doorsteps have similar structures and decorative patterns. 

There are two dragons from top to bottom along the steps. The dragon's head is raised high, and the forehead is protruding, forming a hump. They have sunken cheeks, lion nose, round eyes, animal ears, and long horns. Their mouths are wide with pearls inside.

The dragons and cloud patterns exude liveliness, flexibility and strength.

The doorstep at Co Loa temple, dated 1732, is the only one of this kind in the country associated with a famous relic, worshiping King An Duong Vuong. It is a part of the King's temple area, located in the Co Loa special national relic site. The size, structure and decorative patterns are not seen in any other relics which have the same function and age.

The unique form of the pair of stone dragons on the steps of Thuong Temple (Co Loa) can be seen in the special way of carving patterns, bearing typical features of the sculptural art of the revival Le Dynasty period in the early 18th century. 

Unlike the pair of dragons at the back of Kinh Thien Palace or in Lam Kinh which bear typical features of a palace citadel, symbolizing kingship, the dragons in Co Loa have  unique features. 

There is a combination of the royal symbol (5-clawed dragon) and 4-clawed dragon. It symbolizes the concept of "left male, right female", symbolizing yin and yang (two complementary principles of Chinese philosophy). This is a philosophical concept, originating from the time when Vietnamese people founded the country.

A special feature of the pair of the stone dragons in Thuong temple is three stone incense trees in front – three meteor pillars which transfer the energy of heaven to earth. 

The stone dragons in Thuong Temple symbolize the energy of heaven and earth, and represent the king’s power.

Tinh Le