On May 8, 2024, at the 10th General Conference of the Memory of the World Committee for the Asia-Pacific Region held in Mongolia, the dossier "Nine Bronze Urns - Hue Imperial Palace" was officially registered in the Memory of the World Catalogue. With the absolute consensus of 23 participating countries, this masterpiece is not only the pride of Vietnam but also marks an important milestone in the journey of preserving global cultural values.
The Nine Bronze Urns, also known as the Nine Tripods, are the symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty, cast by King Minh Mang in 1835 and completed in 1837. Since then, they have always been placed in front of the courtyard of The To Mieu in the Hue Imperial Palace. King Minh Mang created the Nine Tripods to honor the longevity and prosperity of the dynasty, while affirming the integrity and rich beauty of the Vietnamese territory. Each detail carved on the bronze urns is a testament to the outstanding talent of the craftsmen, demonstrating the nation's sophisticated bronze casting skills.
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People's Committee of Thua Thien - Hue province received the UNESCO certificate recognizing the Documentary Heritage "The reliefs on nine bronze cauldrons in the Hue Royal Palace". Photo: tuoitrethudo
With a total of 162 elaborate carvings, the Nine Urns preserve unique values in history, geography, feng shui and calligraphy. Images such as Ngu Mountain, Huong River or Vinh Te Canal on the bronze urns not only reflect the natural scenery but also tell the story of the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people. In particular, the image of Vinh Te Canal on Cao Dinh also recalls the dedication of Mrs. Chau Thi Vinh Te, who devotedly supported Thoai Ngoc Hau in building the most important traffic project in the Southern region.
Moreover, the Nine Tripod Cauldrons have profound artistic value and are also a valuable source of information for researchers. The motifs on the bronze cauldrons depict a vivid picture of the cultural exchange between Vietnam and East Asian countries in history. Despite nearly two centuries of great changes, the bronze cauldrons still remain intact, becoming a rare symbol of royalty and the existence of the feudal regime in East Asia.
The Nine Dynastic Urns were cast in 1835 and completed in 1837 under the reign of King Minh Mang. Photo: tuoitrethudo
UNESCO highly values the Nine Tripod Cauldrons for their uniqueness and rarity, as well as their important role in connecting cultural and social values. The Nine Tripod Cauldrons are a symbol of the connection between the past and the present, providing continuity in the preservation of heritage through generations. Furthermore, the rituals and values associated with the Nine Tripod Cauldrons have contributed to cultural harmony, creating a strong spirit of solidarity among ethnic communities in Vietnam.
The inclusion of the Nine Dynastic Urns in the Memory of the World Register is not only a source of pride for Thua Thien Hue but also a testament to Vietnam’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage. This success contributes to enhancing the status of Hue heritage in the international arena, while affirming Hue as a special cultural destination, home to eight UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites.
The UNESCO recognition is an important motivation for Thua Thien Hue to continue moving towards the goal of sustainable development, becoming a centrally-governed city based on its cultural identity. The Nine Dynastic Urns is a precious heritage, and at the same time has profound significance as a reminder of the importance of culture in shaping a sustainable, harmonious and developed future.
Hoang Anh- SEAP
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