Displaying precious artifacts with the theme "Lotus on antiques"

"Lotus on Antiquities" is a thematic exhibition organized by the National Museum of History, which will open on May 14.

One Pillar Pagoda

This exhibition introduces to the public about 100 typical artifacts dating from the 7th - 9th centuries to the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945), which are part of the treasure trove of precious antiques currently preserved at the National Museum of History. The displayed artifacts contribute to outlining the development history of plastic and decorative arts associated with the lotus symbol in the flow of Vietnamese culture; introducing to domestic and international audiences the quintessential beauty and meaning of the lotus symbol in the consciousness of Vietnamese people.

"Lotus on antiquities" introduces a number of typical groups of artifacts divided into specific contents. In the content "Lotus on antiquities of the Nguyen Dynasty's royal court" introduces to the public the royal utensils made from rare materials such as jade, gold, silver, ivory... Under the skillful hands of the craftsmen, the lotus image is delicately and softly carved, making the royal utensils become luxurious and precious, from worshiping objects, office objects to daily necessities...

In the content "Lotus in Buddhist art, ritual objects and worship objects", the National Museum of History introduces a collection of Buddha statues, ritual objects and worship objects made of wood, bronze, ceramic, terracotta, porcelain... dating from the 11th to the 20th century. Next is the content "Lotus on architectural materials" with artifacts showing Buddhist architecture of the Ly - Tran dynasties. During this period, lotus flowers were very popular decorations, being the main motif. Lotus can be decorated in each part of the structure such as on stone reliefs supporting columns, Buddha statue pedestals, floor tiles, tile borders..., but can also be a symbol of the entire structure such as the One Pillar Pagoda (Ly Dynasty).

Not only in Buddhism, in the royal court, lotus also exists very richly and diversely in daily life through the collection of daily utensils. During the Ly Dynasty, ancient artisans often engraved layers of lotus petals on ceramic bones both inside and outside bowls and plates, then covered them with enamel and fired them. Containers such as vases, teapots, lamp stands, jars, pots, urns, etc. were decorated with many layers of lotus petals on the lid, neck and foot, creating a graceful, elegant and noble beauty for each item. During the Tran Dynasty, the image of the lotus flower was expressed more vividly, freely, gracefully and realistically.

During the Le and Nguyen dynasties, the lotus image was tightly composed but still flexible with sharp shapes creating elegance and sophistication in each work of art. In embroidery, the lotus also inspired ancient artisans to create many decorative products such as embroidered paintings and large characters with themes such as: Lotus - stork; lotus - treasure...

In Vietnamese culture, the lotus is a flower that symbolizes purity and elegance. The lotus rises from the mud and radiates its fragrance. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes moral values, purity, holiness, wisdom, enlightenment and an untainted spirit. In folk consciousness, the lotus is compared to people with noble beauty and bravery. Therefore, the lotus has long been part of the life and art of the Vietnamese people. The lotus is used quite commonly in the visual arts, stylized in architectural decoration and household items, worship items, and royal items.

According to Dulich.vn