Dozens of artefacts featuring the millennium-old history of Vietnam, dating back to the Bronze age culture to the last feudal Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), are being put on show at a royal art exhibition in Paris.

The objects are made of different materials such as gold, silver, bronze and gemstones, with many carved with images of the dragon - which occupies a privileged position within the bestiary of mythical creatures, and symbolises power and influence of the feudal states.

They are collected by the Vietnam National Museum of History and the National Museum of Asian Arts – Guimet.

Themed “Flying Dragon - Vietnamese Royal Art”, the event forms part of the activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France, said Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien.

French Minister of Culture and Communication Aurelie Filippetti described the exhibition as a good chance for the two peoples to discover their respective culture and history, helping improve the bilateral friendship and cooperation.

The event runs from July 8 to September 15.-VNA