Nguyen Dynasty throne broken: Why not display a replica of the treasure?

Since the Nguyen Dynasty throne was broken, many people have questioned why replicas of national treasures are not used for display.

Meeting of museums

At the beginning of the week, one of the contents of the meeting of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum was how to strengthen the protection of the works on display; among them are many national treasures such as: the statue of Bodhisattva Quan Am Hoi Ha, the painting Ket Nap Dang O Dien Bien Phu by Nguyen Sang, the painting Em Thuy by Tran Van Can, the painting Binh Phong by Nguyen Gia Tri... "We are all displaying the original works. The value of the museum lies in the original works. The Louvre Museum (France) also displays original works...", said Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh, Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.

The display of the throne has shown the vulnerability of the treasure when it was attacked.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

National treasure, Nguyen Dynasty throne

The problem is that after the Nguyen Dynasty throne was broken in Thai Hoa Palace ( Hue Monuments Conservation Center), increasing protection for national treasures is a question for many units. Mr. Minh's unit currently has 9 national treasures on display. "We will increase protection," Mr. Minh said. However, increasing protection is not simple.

In the case of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the works are displayed in different rooms, corresponding to the art periods. Therefore, it can be said that they are scattered in many rooms. If these works could be gathered into one room, to maintain a more special protection mechanism, it would be more convenient for the museum. However, this is difficult to do due to the current content structure. The rooms of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum are also relatively small, the works are displayed quite close together. Therefore, if we want to have different layers of protection, it will be difficult.

At the same time, the source said that the National History Museum also had a similar meeting. This is the leading museum in the country in terms of the number of national treasures, and is also the unit with a warehouse for artifacts and display cabinets with high technical requirements, ensuring good protection. However, after the incident of the Nguyen Dynasty throne at Thai Hoa Palace, museum staff also shared experiences together, raising awareness about protecting artifacts.

Consider copy display mechanisms

Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, said that up to now, large museums when displaying national treasures and valuable artifacts have often displayed the originals. "Displaying the originals is the strength of the museum. It also creates emotions for viewers. In general, technical measures should be strengthened to protect artifacts so that original artifacts can be displayed. Museums in Vietnam also have an alarm system in case of an incident," Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai said.

Plan to display national treasure Yen Tu gold box

PHOTO: CITY RESEARCH CENTER

However, one thing has changed in the amended Law on Cultural Heritage in 2024. First, there are regulations on the requirements for protecting and preserving relics, antiquities, and national treasures in Article 46. Accordingly, it is necessary to "ensure adequate conditions in terms of human resources, technical equipment, and technology to control the preservation environment, respond to natural disasters, prevent and combat fires, theft, and other risks that may affect the security and safety of relics, antiquities, and national treasures".

Regarding the enhanced protection that Associate Professor, Dr. Bai mentioned, currently, according to the revised Cultural Heritage Law, there are many advantages. Remember, when the Ngoa Van Yen Tu gold box was about to be displayed, an exhibition plan was proposed by Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Minh Tri, Director of the Imperial Citadel Research Center, based on the exhibition model in Korea. In this exhibition plan, the room's light will be very soft, and the glass cabinet displaying the artifacts will be brightly lit. The lights will be cast from the ceiling and the base of the cabinet. The protective glass will be of the type that can withstand force, and a sledgehammer will not leave any marks.

Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, said: "This time, the new Heritage Law has provisions to pave the way for budget spending to preserve national treasures, which was not available before." This is an advantage for planning to protect national treasures when on display.

In addition, the new Heritage Law has additional provisions for making copies of national treasures, in Article 52. Accordingly: "Making copies of national relics, antiquities and treasures is only carried out for the purpose of protecting and promoting their value in cases where national relics, antiquities and treasures are easily damaged and need to be limited in use."

This, with national treasures such as the paintings of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, will open up the protection of the work. Many silk and oil paintings will be affected over time and having copies will help the originals "rest". Lacquer copies will avoid the risk of being attacked with hard objects that can scratch.

Regarding this, Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien said: "Of course, national treasures are all unique. In the future, we may have to consider having a mechanism to display copies, for example, displaying copies in spaces that are not kept in cabinets."

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has requested the Hue City People's Committee to urgently direct the inspection and assessment of the technical condition of the national treasure, the Nguyen Dynasty throne, and propose solutions for preservation and restoration. Local authorities shall organize a review, draw lessons and handle the responsibilities of relevant individuals and organizations, to prevent similar cases from happening; send a report to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for synthesis and reporting to the Prime Minister before June 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh also directed a comprehensive review and strengthening of management, security and safety of Hue ancient capital relics and relics, antiquities, national treasures and relics in the area; developing plans to prevent, detect early and be ready to stop and handle acts of encroachment and sabotage. At the same time, promoting propaganda and education to raise awareness and awareness of protecting cultural heritage in the community.

Bui Ngoc Long - Le Hoai Nhan

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngai-vang-trieu-nguyen-bi-be-gay-sao-khong-trung-bay-ban-sao-bao-vat-185250526220711678.htm