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| The exhibition taking place at the Secret Affairs Institute - Tam Toa Complex |
The exhibition presents nearly 30 valuable artifacts crafted from a wide range of materials, including ceramics and porcelain, silver, inlaid wood, lacquered and gilded surfaces, as well as glass paintings. These works honor the imagery of Horses and the Long Ma, two symbols of profound significance in the intellectual and belief life, as well as royal rituals of the Nguyen Dynasty. Through a carefully curated selection of artifacts, images, and archival materials, the exhibition provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the roles that these symbolic figures played within the cultural structure of the imperial court, while also contributing to the dissemination and appreciation of the traditional values embodied in the heritage of Hue Ancient Capital.
In the history of the Nguyen Dynasty, horses not only occupied a position of importance in the realms of military affairs, transportation, and logistics, but also featured prominently in royal rituals. Closely associated with images of royal authority, strength, and endurance, the horses became a familiar symbol in royal art, appearing across architecture, sculpture, painting, and imperial objects. Finely carved and elaborately decorated representations of horses reflect the high level of aesthetic sensibility and artistic thinking achieved by the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam’s history.
Additionally, the exhibition introduces the image of Long Ma, a mythical creature combining elements of the dragon, the unicorn, and the horse, symbolizing auspicious omens, wisdom, and the harmony between Heaven and Earth, as well as the aspiration for national prosperity. In Eastern thought, the appearance of Long Ma is regarded as a sign of an era of good governance, conveying messages of sustainable development and flourishing prosperity. These were the values that the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty consistently pursued in their efforts to rule the country and ensure peace and stability for the people.
The exhibition lasts until February 23.
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| Students contemplating the paintings |
On this occasion, Hue Monuments Conservation Center also coordinated with Tran Quoc Toan Primary School and Le Loi Primary School to organize a children’s art exhibition entitled “Spring Through My Eyes”. Nearly 150 paintings created earlier by pupils from the two schools are on display, forming an engaging artistic platform that allows students to express their emotions, imagination, and affection for spring, their homeland, and cultural heritage.
Alongside the exhibition and painting activities, the Secret Affairs Institute site also hosts a variety of engaging hands-on experiences for students. These include traditional court games such as dau ho and bai vu, as well as folk games like tug of war, making lung tung drums, and message-passing games… Through these activities, students are given the opportunity to actively participate, explore, and connect with cultural heritage through lively and approachable experiences.
According to Hue Monuments Conservation Center, the organization of springtime activities within heritage spaces contributes to enriching the community’s spiritual and cultural life, while affirming Hue’s cultural identity as a heritage city and Vietnam’s distinctive Festival City. Through experiential educational activities, cultural heritage is gradually being brought closer to younger generations, nurturing their love for their homeland and fostering a sense of appreciation and responsibility for preserving the values handed down by previous generations.