HA NOI — A sapphire turtle made by the DOJI Gold and Gems Group was presented to the Ha Noi People's Committee as a gift for the city's 1,000th anniversary yesterday.
The Giant Precious Sapphire Turtle had spiritual meaning as a symbol of longevity and peace, said DOJI general director Do Minh Phu.
Its natural blue and reddish brown colours gave it a unique beauty, he said.
The turtle is made from a monolithic sapphire, weighs two tonnes and took artisans 200 days to complete.
Legend says a turtle helped King An Duong Vuong build Co Loa Citadel in the 3rd century BC while King Le Thai To, (1385-1433) returned a precious sword to a tortoise in Hoan Kiem or "Returned Sword" Lake after using it to defeat invaders.
Calligraphers exhibit to celebrate Ha Noi
HA NOI — The biggest yet calligraphy exhibition will open at the Temple of Literature today, said its Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities director Dang Kim Ngoc.
About 250 works of various sizes and featuring different calligraphic styles on materials including ceramic, bamboo and do (poonah) paper will be on display with 200 lanterns.
A performance depicting the traditional greeting given successful candidates returning home after passing their royal exams would be party of the opening ceremony, the director said.
The exhibition will end on October 14.
British council awards filmmaker a trip to London
HCM CITY — The British Council Viet Nam on Saturday handed out award certificates to winners at the British Council International Screen Entrepreneur Award.
The national winner, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, will represent Viet Nam to compete in the international competition, which will take place in London on October 15, announced British Council director in HCM City Alison Ball at the award ceremony.
Ngoc will take a 10-day trip to the UK where she will attend the London Film Festival and will have opportunities to network with UK screen industry partners and national winners from other participating countries. — VNS