Zen Dance - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology

The event was held on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19, 1890 - May 19, 2025), International Museum Day, and Vietnam Science and Technology Day.

The works and artifacts on display attract public attention.

Buddhist art of the Ly Dynasty (11th - 13th century) is the pinnacle of Dai Viet fine arts, a unique combination of Zen spirit and indigenous culture, royal and folk art creating a unique style. The exhibition focuses on introducing four typical art fields, including: pagoda architecture; sculpture; ceramic art; music and dance.

Regarding the art of pagoda architecture, during the Ly Dynasty (1009 - 1225), Buddhism flourished and was highly valued and developed by the royal court. Typical of these are the "national temples" built such as the One Pillar Pagoda, Bao Thien Tower, Dam Pagoda, Phat Tich Pagoda, Long Doi Pagoda... The architecture of pagodas and towers during the Ly Dynasty was not only a religious work, but also an artistic work expressing Buddhist philosophy and advanced techniques, imbued with Vietnamese identity and at the same time expressing the absorption of foreign cultural elements.

Works and artifacts on display.

The art of Buddhist sculpture during the Ly Dynasty reached its peak with the harmonious combination of Zen Buddhism, royal art and folk culture, creating a style that was graceful yet majestic, sacred yet intimate. The sculptures of the Ly Dynasty, with the techniques of making round statues, reliefs, embossments, and openwork carvings, were created in soft, graceful, balanced, harmonious, highly stylized shapes but still retained their natural features.

Ceramics in Buddhist art of the Ly Dynasty with ivory white glaze, brown glaze, brown flower, jade glaze. The main decorative techniques are intaglio engraving, unique enameling, printing molds, embossing... with typical patterns related to Buddhism: lotus, chrysanthemum, phoenix, dragon, dancer...

Works and artifacts on display.

The art of Buddhist music and dance during the Ly Dynasty was a unique combination of religious rituals, folk traditions and royal art, creating a unique musical and dance heritage imbued with national identity. During the Ly Dynasty, Buddhism was the national religion, music and dance became a means of spreading teachings and practicing rituals; musical instruments and melodies were influenced by major cultures such as India and China but were deeply Vietnamized. Buddhist rituals were solemnly held with solemn music under the patronage of the royal court.

Visitors to the exhibition.

With 14 typical artifacts, selected from the Ly Dynasty Buddhist heritage preserved at the National History Museum, containing the most unique values ​​of Ly Dynasty Buddhist art, with interpretations and projections using 3D mapping, hologram, digital revival, gauze projection techniques... through the use of digital technology, the exhibition contributes to the restoration, regeneration, and revival of valuable cultural heritages, hoping to bring visitors new, deeper, and more attractive experiences. Thereby, helping the public to understand more deeply and appreciate traditional cultural values, contributing to raising awareness of preserving and promoting national cultural values.

Exhibition open until July 2025.

(According to VNA)

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/16/350351/Vu-khuc-Thien-mon---Nghe-thuat-Phat-giao-thoi-Ly-Di-san-va-cong-nghe.aspx