2 treasures in the dilapidated pagoda
Tra Phuong Pagoda is located in Kien Hung Commune, Kien Thuy District, Hai Phong. The pagoda was built under the Ly Dynasty (1010 - 1225). During the Mac Dynasty, in the 16th century, Tra Phuong Pagoda underwent a major restoration. In 2007, Tra Phuong Pagoda was ranked as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic. In January 2025, the pagoda is located in a cluster of relics related to the Mac Dynasty in Duong Kinh and was recognized as a Special National Monument.
Currently, the pagoda still preserves many artifacts from the Mac Dynasty, especially the statue of Thai To Mac Dang Dung and the relief of Thai Hoang Thai Hau Vu Thi Ngoc Toan, which have been recognized as national treasures under Decision No. 2283/QD-TTg dated December 31, 2020 of the Prime Minister.
Both statues date from the 16th century. In which, the Thai To Mac Dang Dung statue is 63cm high, 37cm wide, created in a round statue style with the shape of a rear statue. The statue has a conical face, large round eyes, an inflated nose, a rather large nose tip, a slightly shaky mouth, big ears, and sharp chin. The overall statue shows the person of great age, power, and royalty.
The Thai Hoang Thai Hau Vu Thi Ngoc Toan sculpture was carved deep into a rock block. The statue has a round, slim face, good luck, five-leafed eyebrows, royal poinciana eyes, and a low nose. The head of the statue has gray hair, a lotusponas and black paint.
After the two artifacts were recognized as national treasures, the People's Committee of Hai Phong City assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to preside with the People's Committee of Kien Thuy District and relevant agencies to implement state management of the above national treasures according to the provisions of the law on cultural heritage.
On the morning of May 29, Lao Dong reporter noted that 2 national treasures are currently being kept in the old Tam Bao house of the pagoda. The 2 treasures do not have special protection or warning, no fences or glass frames.
The old Tam Bao house where the two treasures are located shows signs of serious deterioration with the tiled roof, part of the roof adjacent to the new Tam Bao house under construction is covered with tarpaulins to protect against rain.
What does the locality say?
Facing the situation of national treasure protection at Tra Phuong Pagoda, talking with labor, representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong City - said that in addition to complying with the Law on Cultural Heritage, Hai Phong City is one of the few localities across the country to issue a separate regulations on protection and promotion of cultural heritage values. Regarding two national treasures at Tra Phuong Pagoda, both of these treasures are made of stone, so the ability to move is not like other artifacts.
The locality (commune) also has its own relic management board and carries out the protection and preservation of relics as well as artifacts, especially 2 national treasures.
Regarding this content, Mr. Do Duc Uy - Chairman of Kien Hung Commune People's Committee - said that the commune only manages city-level relics and special national relics managed by district authorities. The commune also established a relic management board, guarding, protecting, and installing cameras to guard relics as well as 2 national treasures in Tra Phuong pagoda.
The leader of Kien Hung commune also said that Tra Phuong pagoda has been degraded for many years, but there is no leaking phenomenon. The pagoda is in the process of upgrading and remodeling, and the new Tam Bao building item is waiting for the decision of the City People's Committee. After the new Tam Bao building is completed, the two national treasures will be taken to the new court to preserve and promote values. The old Tam Bao house will become a place of worship.
