Photos reveal intricate art of communal temple engravings

Photos and videos of dragon and fairy engravings on pillars and wooden walls of Vietnamese communal temples from the 16th century to the early 19th century are being shown as part of an exhibit at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum.
Photos and videos of dragon and fairy engravings on pillars and woodenwalls of Vietnamese communal temples from the 16th century to the early19th century are being shown as part of an exhibit at the Ho Chi MinhCity Fine Arts Museum.

The exhibition, organised by the VietnamUniversity of Fine Arts and the museum, includes 102 photos featuringthe architecture and engravings of more than 40 temples in northernVietnam.

Five short documentaries and a 3D film on topics related to the northern communal temples are also part of the exhibit.

"It'sa good chance for city residents to know more about the traditionalculture of the countryside in this region where few people can visit,"said Ma Thanh Cao, the museum's director.

University experts andprofessors collected the photos and videos during a two-year researchproject on the values and cultural heritage of communal temples.

Theyvisited hundreds of temples in many northern provinces, including ThaiBinh, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho and Bac Ninh, and in Hanoi.

Le VanSuu, the university's headmaster, said: "Communal temples were placesfor community activities, ranging from administrative work toentertainment, and played an important role in people's life. However,in modern society, their original functions have disappeared."

Dragonsand fairies symbolising the nation's legendary father Lac Long Quan andmother Au Co can be found in most of the temples.

"They symbolise the country's solidarity," he said.

Theexhibition, held at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Paris in September2012, was warmly received by visitors and overseas Vietnamese.

The exhibition at the Fine Arts Museum at 97A Pho Duc Chinh street in District 1 will end on June 23.-VNA

See more

At a rehearsal of the military-civilian parade to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30. (Photo: VNA)

Grand celebration, parade marking 50th national reunification anniversary to take place on April 30 in HCM City

A national-level celebration celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30 will feature a 30-minute art performance, flag-saluting, speeches by top leaders and representatives of war veterans and young people. It will be followed by a military-civilian parade and a symbolic release of balloons and doves.

Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh (middle), his spouse and delegates at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese community in Thailand honours cultural, traditional values

Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh reiterated the Party and State’s constant policy of considering the Vietnamese community abroad as an inseparable part and an important resource of the nation. The diplomat expressed his hope that the community will continue to accompany and join hands with their fellows at home in striving towards a prosperous and powerful future for the country.

The 8th reenactment of the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary ceremony organised at the Vietnam Culture Festival 2025 in Osaka. (Photo: VNA)

2025 Vietnam Culture Festival held in Osaka

The Vietnam Culture Festival 2025 in Japan's Sakai city is not only an opportunity to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture but also serves as a bridge to bring the image of Vietnam and its people closer to Japanese friends.

Artists perform Thai traditional dance at the opening ceremony of the "Creative Thailand: The Pulse of Tradition" festival. (Photo of organisers)

Visitors enjoy Thai environment, lifestyle at Hanoi festival

At the Thai Festival, from March 28 night to March 30 morning in Hanoi, visitors explored typical Thai dishes, along with health care and beauty care products and traditional handicrafts. They also enjoyed traditional dances from many regions of Thailand, tried making Khanom Krok coconut cakes and painting patterns on silk, among other activities.

The Vietnamese publications of the Mog the Cat series by author Judith Kerr are introduced at the UK Children's Picture Book Week. (Photo: phunuvietnam.vn)

Book week in Hanoi invites children to the wonderland of British tales

Vu Thi Quynh Lien, Deputy Director of Kim Dong Publishing House, said: “The UK Children's Picture Book Week brings a fresh and creative reading space, helping young children access famous picture book works. Through this, they not only explore but also develop a love for reading from an early age.”