Bringing the lotus pond to the Temple of Literature yard

Mang cả hồ sen đến sân Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám - Ảnh 1. — Many people enjoy checking in with the lotus pond in the yard of the Temple of Literature - Photo: THUY HUONG

The small “lotus pond” is an opening part of the Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space inside Thai Hoc House, which was just opened late afternoon on June 9.

This is a thematic exhibition organized by the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund and Senhouse Vietnam Company from now until June 15.

The exhibition introduces 32 calligraphy works, most of which represent unique verses in Nguyen Du's Tale of Kieu , especially verses that directly mention or evoke the image of the lotus flower.

These calligraphy paintings all have lotus flowers drawn on them.

A portrait of the great poet Nguyen Du made from dried lotus leaves was also introduced to viewers.

Throughout the history of the monarchy in Vietnam, many elegant literati have borrowed the image of the lotus flower to express their thoughts and temperament through poetic works of many different genres.

Among the most prominent figures is the great poet Nguyen Du. That is the inspiration for this thematic exhibition.

Along with that are unique handicraft works associated with the lotus image.

hồ sen - Ảnh 2. — Performance of designer Lan Huong's lotus-themed ao dai collection at the opening of the Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space exhibition - Photo: THUY HUONG

Right in the exhibition space at Thai Hoc house, early-season lotus pots are also arranged along the walkway, creating an attractive lotus and Kieu space.

During the exhibition, calligraphers also organized workshops to teach how to write calligraphy verses of Kieu, draw lotus paintings, etc.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam - representative of the organizing committee - said this is the first step in the journey to promote Kieu culture.

Below are heritage tours that take students and lovers of heritage and literature to Nguyen Du's hometown to learn more about the value of The Tale of Kieu.