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Opening on January 6, the exhibition “Ngua ve pho” is held at Thai Hoc courtyard, the final area within the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy) complex, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) – the Year of the Horse 2026 (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Opening on January 6, the exhibition “Ngua ve pho” is held at Thai Hoc courtyard, the final area within the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy) complex, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) – the Year of the Horse 2026 (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The series of wooden sculptures were created by Central Highlands culture researcher Dang Minh Tam together with students from educational institutions in Da Lat, drawing on the cultural and aesthetic traditions of the Central Highlands funerary sculpture, with elements of contemporary art incorporated. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The series of wooden sculptures were created by Central Highlands culture researcher Dang Minh Tam together with students from educational institutions in Da Lat, drawing on the cultural and aesthetic traditions of the Central Highlands funerary sculpture, with elements of contemporary art incorporated. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Honouring the image of the horse in the lives of Central Highlands communities, all the works feature this animal. The series of seven large wooden totem pillars created by Dang Minh Tam reflects the worldview of Central Highlands ethnic groups, highlighting the horse’s harmony and close bond with human life. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Honouring the image of the horse in the lives of Central Highlands communities, all the works feature this animal. The series of seven large wooden totem pillars created by Dang Minh Tam reflects the worldview of Central Highlands ethnic groups, highlighting the horse’s harmony and close bond with human life. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
After decades of researching Central Highlands culture, Dang Minh Tam noted that horses in the region, though small in stature, are highly resilient, agile, adept at climbing steep hills, and also strong swimmers. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
After decades of researching Central Highlands culture, Dang Minh Tam noted that horses in the region, though small in stature, are highly resilient, agile, adept at climbing steep hills, and also strong swimmers. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
When horses are used for carrying goods, local people walk alongside them rather than ride, turning the horse into a symbol of discipline, endurance, and resilience among young people. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
When horses are used for carrying goods, local people walk alongside them rather than ride, turning the horse into a symbol of discipline, endurance, and resilience among young people. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Central Highlands artisans do not receive formal academic training in sculpture; instead, their skills are passed down through generations. As a result, each carving is both distinctive and one of a kind. Pictured is artisan Y Bhiong Buon Ya, who attends the exhibition’s opening ceremony to share insights into Central Highlands culture. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Central Highlands artisans do not receive formal academic training in sculpture; instead, their skills are passed down through generations. As a result, each carving is both distinctive and one of a kind. Pictured is artisan Y Bhiong Buon Ya, who attends the exhibition’s opening ceremony to share insights into Central Highlands culture. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
A variety of chisels and carving tools used by Central Highlands artisans in funerary sculpture making. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
A variety of chisels and carving tools used by Central Highlands artisans in funerary sculpture making. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
To suit the scholarly atmosphere of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the artists also created such works as a mother-and-foal reading books, a “scholar horse” and a horse acting as an exam proctor. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
To suit the scholarly atmosphere of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the artists also created such works as a mother-and-foal reading books, a “scholar horse” and a horse acting as an exam proctor. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The horse sculptures feature motifs typical of Central Highlands culture. The circular pattern surrounding a star symbolises “hoa don”—a flower motif representing longevity and vigorous regeneration. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The horse sculptures feature motifs typical of Central Highlands culture. The circular pattern surrounding a star symbolises “hoa don”—a flower motif representing longevity and vigorous regeneration. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
With their raw, symbolic, and abstract forms rather than realistic depiction, the sculptures imply the strength of nature bestowed upon humankind. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
With their raw, symbolic, and abstract forms rather than realistic depiction, the sculptures imply the strength of nature bestowed upon humankind. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Also featured in the exhibition is a collection of traditional lacquer sculptures by artist Le Huy and Lamphong Studio. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Also featured in the exhibition is a collection of traditional lacquer sculptures by artist Le Huy and Lamphong Studio. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Particularly eye-catching is the “Ngua Hoa Mai” series, inspired by horses in ancient sculptures and traditional Vietnamese paintings, featuring plump forms symbolising abundance and prosperity. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Particularly eye-catching is the “Ngua Hoa Mai” series, inspired by horses in ancient sculptures and traditional Vietnamese paintings, featuring plump forms symbolising abundance and prosperity. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Artist Le Huy, representing Lamphong Studio, introduces the work “Binh Ngo” – a wordplay combining the Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) with “Binh Ngo Dai Cao”, recalling a heroic era and invoking the spirit of righteousness and humanity for the New Year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Artist Le Huy, representing Lamphong Studio, introduces the work “Binh Ngo” – a wordplay combining the Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) with “Binh Ngo Dai Cao”, recalling a heroic era and invoking the spirit of righteousness and humanity for the New Year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The vividly coloured exhibition space creates a visual counterbalance to the rustic wooden horse sculptures of the Central Highlands, enhancing the distinctive qualities of each style. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The vividly coloured exhibition space creates a visual counterbalance to the rustic wooden horse sculptures of the Central Highlands, enhancing the distinctive qualities of each style. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The exhibition is open to visitors until the end of March. (Photo: VietnamPlus)./.
The exhibition is open to visitors until the end of March. (Photo: VietnamPlus)./.
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Admiring one-of-a-kind Central Highlands horse sculptures in Hanoi

Rustic yet powerful wooden horse sculptures imbued with the soul of the Central Highlands create a striking contrast and a distinctive highlight alongside the colourful lacquer artworks on display at the spring exhibition “Ngua ve pho” (Horses come to the city).

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