COLLECTABLE HISTORY: A set of “pháp lam” trays from the early 20th century is on display at the “Thanh Ngoạn” (Spring Wandering) at the Museum of Vietnamese History in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of the museum

HCM CITY — The Museum of Vietnamese History in HCM City is showcasing a collection of antiques dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

The exhibition entitled “Thanh Ngoạn” (Spring Wandering) presents more than 180 artifacts reflecting Việt Nam’s history and culture, mostly from the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945).

All of them are selected from collections possessed by four young collectors Thân Việt Hùng, Nguyễn Đông Nhựt, Huỳnh Chí Thanh, and Nguyễn Thị Tuyết.

Tuyết from Hải Dương Province said: “I’ve fallen in love with the country’s history and artefacts since I was a child. I visted Hải Dương Museum several times and that nurtured my desire of possessing antiques from our ancestors. It motivates me to learn and collect antiques, especially ones belonging to the royalty, to create my own precious collection.”

The exhibition highlights “pháp lam” items such as tea sets, vases, and food traysdecorated with patterns of flowers and “tố nữ” (Fair Maidens).

“Pháp lam” is a technique of enameling ceramics on a metal base (gold, silver, copper) introduced to Việt Nam in the early 19th century. At its finest, the products of “pháp lam” are considered a combination of the ceramic industry with jewellery. Those products used to be produced only for Nguyễn royalty.

Various administrative and royal documents, and an ancient horizontal lacquered board under the Nguyễn Dynasty are on display as well.

The showcase also features costumes, jewellery, and boxes and trunks of different sizes and materials.

According to Hoàng Anh Tuấn, the museum’s director, the “Thanh Ngoạn” exhibition offers an opportunity for the community to learn about the country’s history and culture through unique artefacts collected by young people. It also tells interesting stories on the journey of preserving and promoting the national cultural heritage for young people today.

The exhibition will open until March 31. The museum is located at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street in District 1. — VNS