VietNamNet Bridge - According to Ms. Huynh Thi Anh Van, Director of the Museum of Hue Royal Antiquities, the Museum manages more than 13,000 artifacts, including many that have symbolic and spiritualvalue of the Nguyen Dynasty.

There are several ways to define the term "precious antiques". In terms of material value, Hue does not have jade and gold seals as well as gold books but the ancient capital city preserves the greatest number of items of the Nguyen Dynasty, including three sets of antiques that were recognized as national treasures of Vietnam: the nine holy cannons, the nine dynastic urns and the great bell of Thien Mu Pagoda, said Ms. Van.

Most importantly, Van said, the antiques are correctly placed in their original space, so visitors can feel the depth of culture of Hue and the Nguyen Dynasty.

The throne in the Palace of Thai Hoa, Hue Citadel is an extremely valuable artifact, which witnessed the ups and downs of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam. Many events happened in this place, from a glorious ceremony when a king was enthroned or the royal panic when a king was deposed.

It is still unknown that when the throne was made and who made it but according to historical documents and photographs taken since the time of Emperor Dong Khanh, this is the original throne. The only change is the additional parasol above the chair. We can see the court only changed the king, not the throne.

Ms. Van said that this throne would be recognized as the National Treasure of Vietnam.

Currently, the Museum of Hue Royal Antiquities holds an exclusive antique which is invaluable in terms of culture, politics and arts. That's the costume wore by the Nguyen Kings at the Nam Giao Esplanade. This was one of the most important rituals in the Nguyen Dynasty, including the ritual at the Nam Giao Esplanade, the rituals at the temple worshipping the ancestors of the Nguyen Dynasty and the worship to Earth and the Rice Gods.

Therefore, the costume that the King wore at the rituals at the Nam Giao Esplanade could help connect the King to the God, and the King represented the entire country to pray for peace, prosperity and good harvest.

This costume is preserved in special conditions with stable humidity, light and temperature to ensure a good environment for the preservation of the coat. The item is only displayed during major events.

The nine holy cannons are also natural treasures that are preserved in Hue City.

On January 1st 1803, Emperor Gia Long ordered all bronze wares of the Tay Son dynasty to be collected and melted into nine cannons. The work was completed at the end of January 1804. The cannons were named after the four seasons and the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. They were granted the title "Holy Invincible Generals" by the King.

Each cannon is 5.10 m long and weighs more than 10 tons. Their barrels are elaborately inscribed with the titles, position order, weight, instructions, writings on fights against the Tay Son dynasty, and the collection of bronze wares for casting.

Originally, they were positioned in front of the Noon Gate, at the foot of the Royal Citadel wall, but they were later moved later by order of Emperor Khai Dinh to the present-day site.

The cannons have never been used for military purposes and just play a symbolic role as guardian spirits for the Citadel.

The nine dynastic urns are another set of natural treasures in Hue city today.

These are the nine greatest bronze urns in Vietnam placed in the shade of the Hien Lam Pavilion, in front of the The Mieu Temple.

They were cast by Emperor Minh Mang in 1836 to symbolize the sovereignty of the dynasty.

Each of them is named after the posthumous title of the emperors worshipped in the Dynastic Temple. For example, Cao Urn is named after Emperor The To Cao (Gia Long), Nhan Urn after Emperor Thanh To Nhan (Minh Mang), Chuong, Anh, Nghi, Tuyen and Thuan Urns after Emperors Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Kien Phuoc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh respectively. (Until 1958 only seven altars were established in The Temple corresponding to seven urns. Du and Huyen Urns did not exist yet.)       

After their casting, the Nine Dynastic Urns were placed in accordance with the disposition of the altars in the Temple. Cao Urn stands in the center, alone in the first row. The others line behind and are placed symmetrically on both sides.

On each urn are 17 traditional Vietnamese patterns like stars, rivers, mountains, seas and oceans, vehicles, valuable forestry and sea products, etc. The 153 patterns on the 9 urns constitute a real encyclopedia of the country. This precious cultural heritage is incredibly well-preserved in spite of the harsh weather and the numerous wars.

At first sight, the nine urns are almost alike, but in fact, they all differ in weight and size.

In addition to the treasures, the Museum of Hue Royal Antiquities (No. 3 Le Truc Road, Hue City) is currently showcasing 200 artifacts of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Some pictures of the precious ancient artifacts in the Museum of Hue Royal Antiques:

These are the nine greatest bronze urns in Vietnam placed in the shade of the Hien Lam Pavilion, in front of the The Mieu Temple.         A globe carved with nine dragons. The king’s palanquin The king’s bed The king’s bed and desk A collection of silver items. An apricot tree made of gems and gold A stone bas-relief landscape, historical references of King Minh Mang.

Dai Duong

To be continued...