Exploring and promoting value of Nine Dynastic Urns Documentary Heritage

Viewing Emperor Minh Mang’s edict exhibited at Tang Tho Lau

According to Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, the event not only honored reading culture but also offered a special journey that brought the public, especially young people, closer to Vietnam’s historical and artistic treasures through the legacy of the Nine Dynastic Urns (Cuu Dinh.) Each relief casting on the urns acts as a pictorial chapter, narrating the Nguyen emperors’ aspirations for peace and prosperity.

Guiding students to experience relief printing on handmade paper.

A highlight of the event was the creative fusion of heritage and digital technology. A vivid 3D space recreated the intricate details of the Nine Dynastic Urns, allowing visitors to appreciate the renowned bronze-casting artistry of ancient times. Additionally, a short documentary film showcased the meticulous process of crafting the urns and decoding the symbolic images, ranging from dragons and phoenixes to mountains, rivers, and natural phenomena such as rain and wind.

The event also featured archival materials and 162 images from the urns, transferred onto dó (traditional Vietnamese handmade paper). The fine details of the relief castings were authentically depicted on this material, offering viewers an opportunity not just to admire the artworks, but also to better understand the artistry and philosophies embedded within each urn. Students had the chance to directly experience printing these motifs onto handmade paper, creating their own unique works of art while developing a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural, historical, and natural values embodied in each piece. 

“Through exploration and hands-on experience, we aim to ignite pride in our heritage and nurture a love for the homeland and nation, especially among the younger generation,” Mr. Trung shared.