For over two decades devoted to mother-of-pearl inlay work, Phan Tan Dat, born 1992, has transformed seashells into shimmering masterpieces on horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, guarding screens... preserving the complete ancient soul of Hue.

Amid moss-covered rooftops and the quiet waters of the Huong River, or wandering up Thien An Hill, Vong Canh Hill, and into the tombs of the Nguyen emperors… a young woman with the nickname Hoang Trinh Phan has made a significant presence across social media platforms, sharing stories about heritage. Her “heritage storytelling” page has attracted thousands of viewers and followers, not only for her charm but also for the wealth of essential knowledge about cultural heritage that she brings to the public and the community.

The art of making reliefs appeared in Hue thousands of years ago. It flourished brilliantly in the 17th century along with copper casting and Hue porcelain mosaics on the complex of relics in Hue ancient capital. In the 21st century, painters and skillful artisans in Hue contributed to the development of the art.

Upon contemplating the city in the brushstrokes of artist Hoang Dang Khanh, viewers seem to immerse themselves in many different emotions, ranging from peacefulness, romance, desolation, strangeness, sometimes solitariness and loneliness. This artist from Hue seems tireless after many years of pursuing the city theme. As for him, those city quarters not only nourished his soul but also gave him mixed memories of joy and sadness.