Hue cultural researcher Nguyen Xuan Hoa has two artifacts donated in 2022 that are on display on this occasion.

Extending the journey of preserving heritage

According to Mr. Ngo Van Minh, Director of the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, the process of receiving donated artifacts began very early on, becoming a continuous flow in the museum's formation and development. Since the policy of socialization in 1995, the museum has received 466 artifacts and groups of artifacts of diverse materials, functions, and ages: from ceramics, porcelain, stone, bronze, and wood to fabric, paper, glass, crystal, and ivory…

"Donating artifacts not only supplements the exhibition materials but also demonstrates the community's commitment to preserving the nation's cultural memory," Mr. Minh emphasized.

Among those who donated, there are many touching stories. People's Artist Tran Do (Bat Trang pottery village - Hanoi ), who brought his "Dragon Horse" artwork to Hue on this occasion, shared: "For many years, I and the people of the pottery village have always wanted to donate artworks bearing the Bat Trang mark to Hue. It's an expression of our affection for this heritage land."

People's Artist Tran Do (on the right) presents his artwork "Dragon Horse" at the exhibition.

Hue cultural researcher Nguyen Xuan Hoa expressed his surprise at the scale and depth of the exhibition: “With only over 40 artifacts on display, we can already see the richness and exceptional value. If exhibitions like this are maintained, the community will better understand the meaning of donation, thereby encouraging families who possess ancient artifacts to send them to the museum.”

Many antique collectors in Hue have also quietly contributed over the years. Mr. Mai Ba Thien (Hue City), who donated two Nguyen Dynasty ceramic lime containers this time, said: "After decades of collecting, I understand that museums are the best place for antiques to be preserved and studied."

This exhibition features many special artifacts for the public: Two dresses belonging to Empress Dowager Từ Cung, donated by Ms. Công Tôn Nữ Kim Chi (2025); the Nhật Bình dress - ceremonial attire of Empress Nam Phương, purchased at auction and donated by Ms. Phan Thúy Khanh and her son Trần Phan Anh (2024); the Nhật Bình dress for noblewomen, donated by Sunshine Group in 2022; along with a series of royal decrees from the reigns of Emperors Thiệu Trị, Tự Đức, Đồng Khánh, and Khải Định; a pair of ivory tusks dating from 1802-1945, donated by Vietnamese expatriate Bùi Cẩm Hà; relics of Emperor Hàm Nghi such as a mother-of-pearl inlaid pipe and silver-plated ivory chopsticks; and two 19th-century bronze cannons…

According to Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center: “These artifacts are not only valuable in terms of their material worth, but also contain the memories of the royal court, culture, and history. Most valuable is the generosity of the donors – they want these ancient values ​​to be returned to their rightful place and preserved for generations to come.”

Entrusting trust

Hue has received many precious artifacts thanks to the generosity of philanthropists both domestically and internationally. Researcher Tran Dinh Son donated many valuable artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty; Mr. Jean Dabat donated the painting "Lake on the Alps" - a work by King Ham Nghi created in France - to the museum; and many collectors such as Nguyen Huu Hoang, Pham Hy Tung, Doan Phuoc Thuan, etc., have also donated valuable artifacts on numerous occasions.

Mr. Hoang Viet Trung believes that, over its 143 years of existence, the Nguyen Dynasty left behind a vast treasure trove of heritage but also suffered many losses due to the turbulent times. "Therefore, the efforts of individuals and organizations to search for, acquire, preserve, and repatriate ancient artifacts are extremely valuable," Mr. Trung said.

Many donors hope that the valuable artifacts they have preserved for so long will be properly displayed, maintained according to standards, and continue to tell the story of history. Because donating heritage is not just about returning artifacts to their rightful place, but also about demonstrating responsibility towards national culture. The Director of the Hue Imperial City Relics Conservation Center stated that, in the near future, descendants of King Ham Nghi plan to donate more artifacts, hoping to establish a separate museum dedicated to this emperor-artist.

According to Mr. Trung, owners of antiques need time to build trust. When they see how they cherish their heritage, how their artifacts are safely preserved and displayed according to their true value, they will feel secure entrusting them to him. And that trust creates a ripple effect. Mr. Trung also frankly admitted that many Nguyen Dynasty artifacts once had very high prices on the international market. The State would find it difficult to purchase them. But the generosity of those who donated has helped bring many priceless treasures back to their rightful owners.

Text and photos: Lien Minh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/hien-tang-de-bao-ton-va-lan-toa-160199.html