The Hương exam is the core part of the Confucian examination system. The Đinh Dậu exam in 1897 took place in the context of Confucianism in Vietnam gradually declining and Chinese characters were gradually being replaced by the national language. That year's exam was special because of the presence of Governor-General of Indochina Paul Doumer in the opening ceremony. Thanks to that rare occasion, photographer Firmin-André Salles had the opportunity to approach and capture precious moments reflecting the life and important ceremonies of the royal court and the activities of the Vietnamese people.

Firmin-André Salles (1860–1929) was a French photographer who worked in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1896 to 1898. Using dry-plate photography, he captured images of exceptional sharpness and detail, providing a vivid view of life, landscapes, and cultural events in Vietnam in the late 19th century.

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, spoke at the opening ceremony.

At the exhibition, visitors can admire a large number of photos taken by photographer Firmin-André Salles, capturing the 1897 Hương exam in Nam Định . This is a rare document that is still preserved, authentically conveying the solemn yet bustling atmosphere of the ancient examination school. The works are exhibited in a unique bamboo space, inspired by the architecture of ancient examination schools, giving viewers the feeling of entering a real "examination school". In that space, black and white images over a hundred years old vividly recreate the scene of candidates taking the exam, examiners, tents and typical symbols of the Confucian examination system.

The photo exhibition space "The Provincial Examinations in the late 19th century" is inspired by the architecture of ancient examination schools.

In addition, the exhibition has coordinated with local cultural experts to add a deeper perspective on the Huong exam and the characters appearing in the photos, making the exhibition more vivid and giving visitors a more comprehensive view of the Huong exam. At the same time, the exhibition also opens up a space for dialogue about the role of photography in recording and forming historical awareness, while providing the public with interesting insights into photography techniques as well as the education and examination system in feudal times.

Delegates and guests take souvenir photos.

With a combination of photographic materials, creative space and contemporary cultural perspective, the exhibition “The Provincial Examinations at the End of the 19th Century” promises to be a special highlight of the Photo Hanoi'25 event - the third International Photography Biennale, taking the audience on a journey back in time, where the tradition of studiousness is preserved and honored.

The exhibition runs until November 30 at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi.

News and photos: THAI PHUONG

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/khai-mac-trien-lam-anh-khoa-thi-huong-cuoi-the-ky-19-1010707