HCM CITY – A collection of Nguyễn Dynasty (1802 – 1945) royal costumes is on display at the Museum of Vietnamese History in HCM City.

The exhibition, Vàng Son Nhung Gấm (Golden Imperial Costumes), showcases 70 items, including costumes, jewelry, accessories, and daily utensils that illustrate the life of the royal and court families.

Exhibit highlights include costumes of the King, Queen, Prince and Princess. Among these is one set of garments belonging to King Đồng Khánh, who reigned from 1885-1989.

All of the costumes are embroidered with symbols like dragons and phoenixes. The influences of the Three Teachings in Việt Nam, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, can be seen.

Costumes and bonnets of mandarins assigned to civil and military positions, as well as imperial consorts, brooches, bracelets, gold and silver rings with gemstones, boxes and trunks of different sizes and materials can also be seen.

The items belong to the museum, the Southern Women’s Museum in HCM City, and collector Nguyễn Văn Hòa.

Nguyễn Thị Thắm, director of the Southern Women’s Museum, which owns most of costumes in the exhibition, said:  “Costumes play a significant role in the life of human beings and reflects social development. In Việt Nam, dress codes for the royal and court officials represented their position and power in society.

“Through this exhibition, we want to show visitors the cultural and social meanings of these costumes of the Nguyễn Dynasty, and to highlight the craftsmanship of those who created the wonderful objects,” she added.

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