Nine Divine Cannons - a masterpiece of bronze casting art from the Nguyen Dynasty.

Amidst the majestic setting of the Hue Imperial Citadel, the nine colossal cannons (the nine divine cannons) are prominently displayed at the The Mieu Temple and in front of the Ngo Mon Gate, and have long been renowned treasures associated with the power and ideology of the Nguyen dynasty.

The nine cannons were not only masterpieces of bronze casting art but were also regarded as national guardians, symbols of the prosperity and stability of the imperial court.

After overthrowing the Tay Son dynasty and ascending to the throne, Emperor Gia Long ordered that all the copper fragments confiscated from that dynasty be melted down and cast into nine large cannons "as a memento for all eternity."

According to the Nguyen Dynasty's historical records, this cannon set was cast in Hue within 12 months, from February 1803 to January 1804. Workers from the Ministry of Public Works and soldiers from the Ministry of War carried out the work.

The nine cannons are divided into two groups. The "Four Seasons" group consists of four cannons representing Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, and the "Five Elements" group consists of five cannons representing Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Previously, the nine cannons were placed in front of Ngo Mon Gate – the main gate of the Imperial Citadel – in two rows of artillery workshops; now they are located at The Nhon Gate (Ngăn Gate) and Quang Duc Gate (Sập Gate) of the Hue Imperial Citadel.

Each cannon measures 5.1 meters in length with an inner barrel diameter of 22.5 cm; its body is engraved with many intricate decorative patterns and short texts detailing the history of the cannon. The cannon's handle is engraved with the name and rank of each cannon, such as the Xuan cannon, which is known as "The First of the Nine Divine Cannons"... The support is engraved with a text describing the method of preparing the gunpowder.

All nine cannons are enormous in size and weight, averaging 11,000 kg each. Each cannon rests on an elaborately carved wooden stand. The stand is fitted with four wooden wheels with iron rims for easy movement. The cannon bodies are engraved with inscriptions and decorative patterns.

Besides the gun's name and the date of the 3rd year of Gia Long (1804), the gun's body is also engraved with the weight of each gun in Vietnamese pounds (the heaviest gun weighs 18,400 pounds, the lightest weighs 17,200 pounds). Symmetrically opposite each weight mark on each gun is a short text explaining the reason for casting the gun and the method of making the ammunition for firing.

Additionally, the cannons feature decorative patterns of flowers and leaves, and are fitted with two large, intricately crafted handles in the shape of two mythical lions. The names of those who supervised the casting of these cannons are also engraved on them: Marshal Nguyen Van Khiem, Commander Hoang Van Can, Commander Cai Van Hieu, and Minister of Public Works Phan Tien Can.

The Nine Divine Cannons are considered a masterpiece of sculpture, showcasing the pinnacle of metallurgy and bronze casting art and techniques during the Nguyen Dynasty. After more than 200 years, the Nine Divine Cannons remain almost intact, a vital part of Hue's cultural heritage. For the people of Hue and visitors alike, they are not just artifacts, but also embody the cultural essence, intellect, and spirit of the Vietnamese people during the feudal era.

On October 1, 2012, the nine cannons were recognized by the Prime Minister as National Treasures of Vietnam.

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cuu-vi-than-cong-tuyet-tac-nghe-thuat-duc-dong-cua-trieu-nguyen-post1080836.vnp