Dragon's Aspiration at Long Van Khanh Hoi

Dragons are mythical creatures, yet they are a real spiritual product, existing in various cultures throughout history, becoming a cultural symbol with diverse meanings. The image of the Vietnamese dragon is present in a variety of aspects of social life, from architecture, clothing, and applied arts to festival activities.

Dragons from the Ly Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty

First, the exhibition features a group of ceramic artifacts commissioned during the Nguyen Dynasty, including bowls, plates, vases, and other items representing the reigns of Emperors Minh Mang and Thieu Tri. The dragon motif is depicted in diverse ways, including themes of a fish and a dragon playing in water, symbolizing good fortune, advancement, and the importance of education and the utilization of talented individuals in governing the country. The dragon represents the emperor, while the fish symbolizes the talented individuals who have passed examinations. Other themes include two dragons worshipping the sun, dragon and phoenix, and dragon and cloud, all signifying good luck and prosperity.

Fish Transforming into Dragon Plate - Chu Dau Ceramics, 15th century

The collection of ceramic artifacts commissioned during the Le-Trinh period features familiar inscriptions such as Khanh Xuan Thi Ta, Khanh Xuan Thi Huu, Noi Phu, etc., with dragons depicted in themes like "Long Van Khanh Tho" and "Long Ham Tho ," signifying wishes for longevity and eternal life.

The dragons on the imperial robe are particularly striking, featuring nine interwoven dragons and cloud motifs in a "dragon and cloud assembly" style. Two of these, on the front and back, are flying dragons, their faces embroidered with glossy and gold thread. Furthermore, all nine dragons are five-clawed, symbolizing the absolute power of the emperor.

The exhibition also includes a group of items related to social management, the four treasures of the office, which include seals, imperial decrees (also known as golden books), hats and crowns, and jewelry such as golden medallions, golden amulets, and dragon-shaped reward coins. The Nguyen Dynasty's golden books are a special type of ancient document, usually made of gold, silver, or gold-plated silver, used to record imperial decrees and edicts issued by the king concerning political affairs and court ceremonies. One of the exhibits is the imperial decree issued by Emperor Tu Duc to Phu Binh Cong, also known as Nguyen Phuc Mien Ao, with the exterior carved with the theme of dragons, clouds, mountains, and water .

Dragon and Phoenix Plate, inscribed with "Inner Court Attendant," 18th century.

A POWERFUL NATIONAL Aspiration

The highlight of this exhibition is the Chu Dau ceramic plate depicting a fish transforming into a dragon and a dragon-horse – representing the Vietnamese people's aspiration to rise above and overcome life's difficulties. The legend of the fish transforming into a dragon signifies that to become a dragon, the carp must overcome challenges with unwavering determination. Beyond that meaning, the fish transforming into a dragon also symbolizes success and good fortune in examinations. The dragon-horse theme combines the dragon and the horse. Dragons are often seen in the high heavens, sometimes hidden and sometimes visible in the clouds, ruling over the sky and sea. Meanwhile, the horse is an ordinary animal, running fast on the ground. Therefore, the dragon-horse – a horse transforming into a dragon – embodies the complete combination of yin and yang, space and time; the dragon-horse's movement represents the movement of the universe and also symbolizes a sage.

National Favorite Family Celebration (Glorious Nation, Happy Home), gilded wood, 1933

In the royal court, dragons adorned the emperor's clothing, royal artifacts, gifts, and palace decorations, signifying the absolute power and authority of the head of state. The dragon imagery was strictly regulated in terms of composition, arrangement, and themes, with the five-clawed dragon being a symbol of royal power and emperorship. The use of four-clawed or three-clawed dragons varied depending on the rank of the official.

Religious artifacts featuring dragons include metal and ceramic incense burners from Tho Ha and Bat Trang, depicting themes such as "Two Dragons Worshipping the Sun," "Dragon Holding Longevity," and "Dragon in Clouds," conveying wishes for favorable weather, peace, and prosperity for the nation. Dragon motifs are also used in artifacts such as bamboo candlesticks and lotus-shaped dragons, showcasing a high degree of realism while maintaining a solemn yet familiar folk feel. On altars, the image of the dragon is depicted majestically, intertwined in clouds, representing its powerful role in protecting and sheltering the people.

The exhibition runs from December 25, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

Incense burner - 19th century

Bell - 8th year of Canh Thinh (1800)

In the East, dragons are associated with historical development, symbolizing national origins, royal power, supernatural strength, good fortune, and prosperity. In Vietnam, throughout its development, the dragon has become a cross-cultural symbol, a Vietnamese symbol connecting with the region and the world towards future development and integration, and also a symbol of overcoming all circumstances and elevating the country's status. This is what the organizers want to convey to the public in this large-scale exhibition.

Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan , Director of the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/khat-vong-rong-o-long-van-khanh-hoi-185231223215851032.htm