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| Researcher Tran Dinh Son introduces artifacts crafted from jade and ivory |
All these exquisitely made masterpieces from Vietnam and other East Asian cultural regions were painstakingly collected by Mr. Son, the museum’s founder, over the course of several decades.
In the museum’s intimate space, more than 100 artifacts made of jade and ivory are systematically and scientifically displayed, offering viewers a kind of historical journey through objects.
For many, jade and ivory have been familiar materials from ancient times until today. Yet artifacts made of such materials were never commonplace; they were largely reserved for the lives of the aristocracy or used in spiritual rituals as sacred statues and ritual implements...
These could be Buddha statues, brush rests, brush holders, incense burners, vases, trays, seals, prayer beads... originating from Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and India, dating from the early 17th to early 20th centuries. All are intricately carved in relief or intaglio. Each artifact carries a story or anecdote while also reflecting the craftsmanship of its maker and the status of its owner.
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| Ivory artifact originating from Japan |
Mr. Tran Phong from Hue, an antique enthusiast, said he felt “chilled” upon first witnessing such a vast collection of jade and ivory works, especially those made from ivory. Until now, he had mostly admired Vietnamese artifacts with little opportunity to compare them with those from Japan, China, and India. “The craftsmanship of the ancients is extraordinary. In particular, the Japanese pieces are not only intricate but also remarkably diverse in subject matter,” he observed.
Among the many artifacts on display, visitors were especially impressed by an ivory Buddha statue from Japan. Despite its modest size, the artistry reveals the extraordinary skill of the Japanese craftsmen of old. The base is adorned with carved dragon motifs, while the central section of the statue reaches its artistic peak: Buddha figures are carved in relief inside the hollowed body, accompanied by two opening doors and numerous related details.
Mr. Son calls this Buddha statue a masterpiece, an extraordinary stroke of fortune for him to acquire. According to his interpretation, such a statue was originally created for merchants embarking on long trade journeys, so they could “invite” the Buddha to preside over rituals during their travels, portable yet solemn.
Within his collection of more than 100 items, Mr. Son also highlights the differences in artistic traditions among countries. For example, while Vietnam and China focused mainly on carving deities and Buddhas, Japanese artisans explored a much wider range of subjects, including herdsmen, woodcutters, or street sweepers.
Thus, through this exhibition, beyond introducing the public to the historical, artistic, and spiritual value of these works, and the uniqueness of jade and ivory carving, it also provides an opportunity to compare the similarities and differences in artistic traditions and collecting practices among nations.
“I hope that this exhibition helps visitors engage with these rare artifacts, enriching the colorful picture of our own cultural heritage as well as that of other countries. From there, people will gain greater awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage values,” researcher Tran Dinh Son shared.