The Vietnam National Museum of History will launch a special exhibition themed “Lotus and antiquities” on May 14 in Hanoi with the aim of introducing local and international visitors to the beauty and meaning of the lotus flower in the Vietnamese culture.

The event will feature around 100 ancient objects dating back from 7th century to the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

In the category “Lotus in royal arts of the Nguyen dynasty”, visitors will have a chance to view objects and delicacies used by kings and royal family members, including those made from jade, precious metals and ivory.

The museum will also present a collection from the “Lotus in the Buddhist arts, practice and ritual items” featuring objects from the 11th century.

Items featuring the lotus flower in architectural decorative materials in the Ly and Tran dynasties (from 10th to 14th century) will also be on display.

In Buddhism, the lotus flower represents purification, faithfulness, compassion, wisdom and enlightenment.
The lotus is symbolic of transparency in the Vietnamese culture. It also represents the refined and unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people.

The lotus can be found in a number of decorative materials and antiques across the Vietnamese fine arts.-VNA