This car was used to transport late president Hồ Chí Minh during some of his business trips to the northern mountainous area of Việt Nam. — Photo qdnd.vn

HÀ NỘI — A pottery model of a Buddhist tower dating back to the 14th century in Vĩnh Phúc Province has been recognised as a national treasure.

It was among the 22 artefacts recognised under a recent decision of Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc.

“The model is the only one of its kind with unique appearance and significant historical, scientific and cultural values,” said Mai Văn Trung, director of Vĩnh Phúc Museum in July.

The 1.45 metre tall model was originally from Trò Pagoda in Yên Phương Commune of Vĩnh Phúc Province and is now exhibited in Vĩnh Phúc Museum.

“It is one of the biggest and most intact glazed pottery worshipping models in the country. The decorative patterns are diverse lotus, chrysanthemum, bodhi tree leaf and buddha statues,” said Trung.

“To preserve and further develop the values of the artefact, the province’s museum will enhance the understanding of locals about the artefacts through media. It will also publish books introducing the tower of Trò Pagoda,” he added.

A Buddhist tower made of pottery dating back to the 14th century in Vĩnh Phúc Province has been recognised as a national treasure. — Photo vinhphuc.gov.vn

An old car used during wartime was also listed as a national treasure. It was made of parts and accessories from different types of cars across the world and used from 1949 to 1959. It was mainly used to transport goods supply for soldiers. The car was also used to transport late president Hồ Chí Minh during trips to the northern mountainous area of Việt Nam as well as carry foreign diplomatic guests visiting Việt Nam in 1950s. 

Other artefacts recognised as national treasure include Đầu Rằm pottery vase dated some 3,000 years ago in Quảng Ninh, a collection of more than 3,000 year old Long Thạnh pottery vases and the statue of a Cham monk dated back to the 9th to 10th century in central province of Quảng Ngãi, Pha Long bronze drum dated some 2,000 years ago in northern province of Lào Cai and the Nhơn Thành Buddha statue dating back to the 4th-6th century in the southern city of Cần Thơ.

An object is recognised as a national treasure when it has significant value in terms of culture and history and will be protected and stored by the Government. The recognition of the title is decided by the Prime Minister after evaluation from the National Cultural Heritage Committee.

There are a total of 164 artifacts recognised as national treasures in Việt Nam. — VNS