Collection of national treasures at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The collection of terracotta phoenix heads in Thang Long Imperial Citadel is an antique discovered underground dating back to the Ly Dynasty. The collection of 5 phoenix heads in Thang Long Imperial Citadel during the Ly Dynasty is very typical and unique, demonstrating the symbolic value of the architectural history of Dai Viet during the Ly Dynasty. The phoenix and the dragon are symbols of the Royal Family, in which the phoenix is often associated with the Queen. The image of the phoenix - dragon couple represents complete happiness. With such symbolic meanings, the use of the phoenix image as decoration on the architecture of the Ly and Tran dynasties reflects the existence and harmony of Buddhism and Confucianism, between theocracy and secular power in the sculpture art of the Ly - Tran dynasties. Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen - Head of the Preservation and Display Department, Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center, Hanoi, said: "The phoenix collection is made of terracotta. The decorative patterns are carved very delicately, giving viewers an understanding of both aesthetics and techniques". The phoenix heads are decorated very elaborately and delicately, used to decorate the roofs of the palaces, demonstrating the high level of aesthetics and craftsmanship in the Ly Dynasty. Each phoenix head is depicted in a state of lively and strong movement. The prominent feature is the rhythmically wavy mane. Details such as the big round eyes and eyebrows are meticulously crafted. Therefore, the collection of phoenix heads discovered at
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is not only an original artifact but also an important document of value for the study of architectural art and sculpture in the Ly Dynasty from the 11th to 12th centuries. The collection of Truong Lac royal ceramics, from the early Le Dynasty from the 15th to the 16th century, was discovered in excavation pits at the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh District, at Thang Long Imperial Citadel during the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. This collection has special historical and cultural value. Ms. Le Thi Khanh Van - Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Center, shared: “On the ceramic artifacts, there are very meaningful words, which are the words 'Truong Lac'. The reason for the word 'Truong Lac' is because these artifacts were all collected from Truong Lac Palace.”
Three cars serving President Ho Chi Minh - Symbol of history
The Ho Chi Minh Relic Site displays three cars associated with the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh in the 50s and 60s of the last century. They are the Peugeot 404, Pobeda and ZIS 115. Ms. Le Thi Thanh Loan - an officer of the Propaganda and Education Department, Ho Chi Minh Relic Site, Presidential Palace, said: “These are the cars that were used to serve him through the difficult and arduous years of our nation's history, when the North was just liberated and entered the process of building socialism. The cars contributed to ensuring the absolute safety of President Ho Chi Minh's life as well as effectively supporting him in carrying out the country's internal and external affairs tasks. In addition, it shows an extremely simple, modest, close style, closely following all aspects of people's lives”. The first car was the ZIS 115. The car was given by the Soviet Government in 1954. The ZIS 115 was a special armored car used to protect Uncle Ho on special business trips. The ZIS 115 did not have many changes compared to the original car, except for the fog lights, two modern alarm lights, specially designed windows, and large tires. The Pobeda was one of the cars given to Vietnam by the Soviet Government in 1955. In March 1957, the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs transferred this car to the Presidential Palace Office. When traveling far away on business trips, Uncle Ho often preferred to use the Pobeda because it was tall, had a strong engine, and was fuel-efficient. The car served President Ho Chi Minh until 1969. The Peugeot 404 was a gift from overseas Vietnamese to President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese Government in late 1964. To travel around the city, in 1967, Uncle Ho often used this car. The low chassis made it easier for Uncle Ho to get in and out of the car. Since President Ho Chi Minh passed away, these three cars have been kept, preserved and displayed at the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site for visitors to visit. Seeing the cars associated with Uncle Ho's life, every visitor cannot help but be moved. These cars are not only the means of transport serving President Ho Chi Minh, but also valuable legacies, associated with the life and great career of the great leader of the Vietnamese people, completely deserving to be recognized by the State as national treasures, so that Vietnamese generations today and tomorrow can come to study and research the ideology, morality and style of President Ho Chi Minh. Historical values are things that we will never forget and must not forget. Many people have come to Thang Long Imperial Citadel to look back at historical values through these treasures. Through this, we are even more proud of the land of the Capital.
Hà Nội Mới•10/01/2025
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