An exhibition entitled “Lotus on antiques” will open at the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi on May 14th to introduce local and international visitors to the beauty and meaning of the lotus flower in Vietnamese culture.

One-pillar pagoda built in Ly dynasty from lotus symbol. (Source: VNA)

Accordingly, about 100 ancient artifacts dating from the 7th century to the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) will be displayed at the event.

These objects are part of the collection of rare and valuable antique treasures being preserved at the museum. They contribute to introducing the developmental history of decoration and plastic arts associated with the lotus symbol in the flow of Vietnamese culture.

Visitors to the exhibition will also have a chance to view objects and delicacies used by kings and members of the royal family, including those made from jade, precious metals and ivory in the category “Lotus in royal arts of the Nguyen dynasty”; artifacts on the lotus in Buddhism from the 11thcentury at the “Lotus in the Buddhist arts, practice and ritual items”; and lotus flower in architectural decorative materials in the Ly and Tran dynasties (from 10th to 14th century) in the “Lotus on architectural materials.

In Buddhism, the lotus flower represents purification, faithfulness, compassion, wisdom and enlightenment.

The lotus is symbolic of transparency in the Vietnamese culture. It also represents the refined and unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people./.

( Compiled by VNF )