Four sets of artifacts in Hue have just been recognized as national treasures (NHQG), including: Ngo Mon Bell from the Minh Mang period, Minh Mang reliefs, a pair of dragon statues from the Thieu Tri period, and Emperor Duy Tan's throne.
The Ngo Mon Bell (unique) was cast in the third year of Minh Mang (1822). The bell is nearly 4 meters (1.8 meters) high and weighs 1,359 pounds (815 kg), making it one of the largest and heaviest bells of the Nguyen Dynasty. This bell was used for administrative activities and was considered a symbol of the dynasty.
Ngo Mon Bell is a unique work of art in the sculpture, painting, and bronze casting industry of the Minh Mang Dynasty (1820 - 1841) in particular and the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) in general.
Meanwhile, the Minh Mang relief was crafted in 1829. This is the only marble artifact that bears the mark of Emperor Minh Mang, expressed through the poem "Ngu che" and the poem "Minh" engraved on both sides of the relief.
Up to now, according to research by the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, no individual, organization, or unit has published information about an artifact with similar descriptive characteristics, parameters, and current status as this artifact that the Museum is preserving.
The third artifact recognized as a National Treasure is a pair of dragon statues from the Thieu Tri period, dated 1842. Accordingly, the “Dragon Statue” from the Thieu Tri period is a set of artifacts with historical, artistic and cultural value. The dragon statue is the pinnacle of integration, simulating the shape of the “golden seals” cast under the dynasties from Minh Mang to Thieu Tri with the shape of a coiled dragon.
Through the typical dragon image of the Nguyen Dynasty, with motifs (long an van, chrysanthemum, sun, spiral) and decorative patterns (clouds, fire knives, and the word "cong") symbolizing the role of "son of heaven", the dragon statue represents the strong power of the monarchy and the aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous country, and for the people to be happy and prosperous.
Finally, there is the Emperor Duy Tan Throne, dating from the early 20th century, currently kept at the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Emperor Duy Tan ascended the throne in the year of the Goat (September 5, 1907), as the 11th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) when he was only 7 years old. To suit the emperor's stature, the court specially made a small throne for use in the king's coronation ceremony.
Depending on the position, style and decorative patterns on the throne, painting, gilding, embossing or filigree techniques are applied. This partly shows the richness and diversity of wood carving art as well as the talented hands of contemporary artisans.
