HCM CITY — The History Museum of HCM City is showcasing a collection of 150 artefacts dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries to introduce visitors to the wood carving art of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

According to Hoàng Anh Tuấn, the museum’s director, the exhibits in the exhibition entitled “Sắc Mộc – Nghệ Thuật Điêu Khắc Gỗ Thời Nguyễn” (The Colour of Wood – Wood Carving Art of the Nguyễn Dynasty) are only a small part of the museum’s collection of wooden artefacts. However, each work has its own story and beauty which reflects the talent and aesthetic of the artisans at that time.

The exhibition highlights items for worshipping in a Vietnamese traditional house such as altars inlaid with mother-of-pearl shells, and horizontal lacquered boards.

On display are also sets of tables and chairs and windshields decorated with hundreds of pieces of mother-of-pearl shells.

The decorations have themes of tứ linh (four sacred mythical creatures: dragon, kylin, phoenix and tortoise symbolising luck, longevity, prosperity and success), or poems.

The woodblocks used to print books and documents during the Nguyễn Dynasty are introduced as well.

The works were carved with Han Chinese scripts and Vietnamese Nôm ideographic scripts, reflecting the establishment and development of the country through history, literature, militarisation, and legislation.

The showcase also features wooden statues of Buddha worshipped in pagodas in the south such as infant Buddha, and Sangharama Bodhisattva.

The exhibition will be open until June 30. The museum is located at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street in District 1. — VNS