Artist Nguyễn Tuấn puts the finishing touches on his Buddha statue, which will be displayed at the Ceramic Sutras – The Sounds of the World exhibition from August 8 to September 6 in Tây Ninh Province.

TÂY NINH — A special exhibition of ceramic Buddhas will go on display at the top of Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh Province this weekend.

Entitled Kinh Gốm – Thanh Âm Thế Gian (Ceramic Sutras – The Sounds of the World), the exhibition will feature more than 400 Buddhist-inspired works by artist Nguyễn Tuấn (also called Tuấn Gốm) and artisans of the Phù Lãng Ceramic Village in Bắc Ninh Province.

It will be the first time that such an exhibit, the largest of its kind ever held, will take place in the mountains in Việt Nam. 

The show is part of an effort to promote the ceramic and pottery heritage of the nearly 700-year-old Phù Lãng village. At the same time, it contributes to preserving and spreading the value ​​of traditional craft villages, and expands cultural and artistic activities to the wider community.

Displayed at the Sun World Ba Đen Mountain tourist resort, the spiritual works feature exquisite sculptural details that embody Buddhist philosophies, with the 365 characters of the Great Compassion Mantra inscribed on the statues' faces.

The exhibition showcases a striking image of the Buddha's face intricately engraved with the mantra's characters, along with two other collections – bird-bodied Buddhas and statues of young novice monks – exploring themes of enlightenment, inner peace and enduring human values.

Among the exhibition's highlights is a collection of Buddha sculptures depicted with bird-like bodies.

Tuấn said Bà Đen Mountain would provide a unique setting for the ceramic exhibition. He noted that the combination of art and the mountain's natural landscape would create a distinctive and memorable experience for visitors.

"When you stand here, taking in the sea of clouds, the mountain scenery and the Buddhist sculptures, your heart seems to slow, and your mind finds an extraordinary sense of peace," the artist said.

"You begin to realise that Buddha's nature exists not only within people, but also in every tree, blade of grass and flower. I believe it is this karmic connection that has brought my works to Bà Đen Mountain."

The ceramic statues are silent, yet visitors can hear the sounds of the world through the joyful smile of the young novices and the sutras delicately carved into the clay, he added.

Artist Nguyễn Tuấn said he hopes his 400 works will bring the sounds of the world to visitors on Bà Đen Mountain.

In addition to the sculptures, there will be other activities for visitors, including a ceramics workshop on using Phù Lãng clay under the guidance of village artisans.

A performance of music and dance entitled Gốm (Ceramics) Show will also be held to entertain visitors with a unique programme celebrating Tây Ninh heritage.

Other performances, interactive experiences and spaces for showcasing and purchasing handcrafted ceramic products will also be available during the exhibition from August 8 to September 6.

A view of Sun World Ba Đen Mountain, the host of the Kinh Gốm – Thanh Âm Thế Gian (Ceramic Sutras – The Sounds of the World) exhibition.

“Each piece represents not only the artisan’s immense effort, sweat and creativity, but also embodies profound messages and philosophies drawn from Buddhist teachings and human life. Every Buddhist ceramic work deserves to be honoured,” said Đào Thị Việt, general manager of Sun World Ba Đen Mountain.

The organisers said that the exhibition and activities would celebrate ceramics and provide a space for visitors to experience a sense of peace, tranquility and joy while visiting this sacred mountain in southern Việt Nam. — VNS