As many as 162 motifs on the Nine Dynastic Urns (nine bronze urns of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal regime that ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945), cast during the reign of King Minh Mang, have become the inspiration for artistic creation in the exhibition Echoes, which opened in Hanoi on December 8.

Visitors view paintings of motifs printed on nine urns. Photos: Dinh Trung/The Hanoi Times

It's initiated by a group of lecturers and students from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, a fashion designer and two Bat Trang ceramic artisans with the desire to honor and promote the values of the artistic heritage of the ancestors.

The works on display are 81 woodblock prints on do (poonah) paper, a series of woodblock prints, 21 ceramic works, and 10 costumes embroidered on velvet and silk based on the motifs of these nine bronze urns.

In addition to being a symbol of the kings of the Nguyen dynasty, the Nine Urns were considered the "geography book of Vietnam" in the early 19th century.

Beyond their sheer size, the urns are remarkable for their exquisite craftsmanship. The intricate designs on their surfaces reinforce the symbolism of power, stability, and dynastic continuity.

They serve as a unique "geographic encyclopedia" of 19th-century Vietnam. Their surfaces are adorned with 162 exquisite engravings depicting the country's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains and flowing rivers to bustling daily activities. In addition, 90 images of native flora and fauna contribute to a remarkable display of artistry and historical documentation.

A fashion design inspired by the lotus motif on the urns.

After more than 180 years of existence, 162 motifs embossed on the bronze urns remain intact. Remarkably, all nine urns remain in their original positions within the temple, meticulously preserved and a testament to Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. They were declared national treasures in 2012.

In May 2024, the reliefs were inscribed in the Memory of the World Register. This is the 10th documentary heritage of Vietnam recognized by this organization.

Paintings inspired by motifs carved on nine urns.

Trang Thanh Hien, Manager of the Echoes project, said the works on display adapted the designs of the Nine Dynasty Urns to new materials (wood, ceramics, fabric) to create a new approach with strong contemporary values.

"We want to promote images of the Nine Dynasty Urns in new forms to introduce a special heritage of Vietnamese history and culture," she said.

The exhibition will run until December 20 at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi.