Discover the "Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space" at the Temple of Literature

Visitors view the thematic exhibition “The cultural space of lotus and Kieu”. Photo: Huong Sen

Throughout history, many literati have used the lotus flower to express their thoughts through their literary works. Among them is the great poet Nguyen Du (1766 - 1820), author of “The Tale of Kieu” with 3,254 six-eight verses in Nom script.

In “The Tale of Kieu”, the lotus is one of the metaphorical images used quite often by the great poet. The image of Kieu, the lotus, combined with the beauty of silk, hand embroidery, paintings, poetry... has been expressed by the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund, Senhouse Vietnam Company and the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam through the works in the thematic exhibition “The Cultural Space of Lotus and Kieu”.

Showcasing the Lotus and Kieu themed Ao Dai collection by designer Lan Huong. Photo: Huong Sen.

The Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space introduces 32 calligraphy works, most of which represent verses from Nguyen Du's "The Tale of Kieu", especially verses that directly mention or evoke the image of the lotus flower with subtle metaphorical value.

The exhibition space also introduces a portrait of the great poet Nguyen Du made from dried lotus leaves, helping viewers imagine the study space of a Confucian scholar, humble yet noble.

Vice President of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam said that the program includes activities such as displaying lotus, exhibiting calligraphy and performing Ao Dai... to create a space to connect heritage, spreading the beauty of lotus as well as the humanistic spirit in "Truyen Kieu" by Nguyen Du.

The designs are divided into Spring - Summer - Fall - Winter themes. Photo: Huong Sen.

At the opening ceremony, designer Lan Huong presented the "Sac Sen Ha Thanh" ao dai collection with lotus images. Designer Lan Huong said that the collection is a story about the life of Kieu in the work of the great poet Nguyen Du, in which there is a combination of lotus and poems that have penetrated deeply into the Vietnamese people's consciousness. The image on the ao dai is the image of Kieu when she was still young, letting her soul wander beside the lotus flowers, playing love songs with her zither.

The lotus display space at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is enjoyed by foreign tourists. Photo: Hoang Lan

The collection has designs representing the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, corresponding to the stages in Kieu's life: from the time she went on a spring outing with Thuy Van, met Kim Trong, to the time she sat holding the moon zither by the lotus pond remembering her first love, and later with Tu Hai to express gratitude and reunite...

Telling the story of lotus with poems of the great poet Nguyen Du, designer Lan Huong wishes to spread the love of traditional culture to heritage lovers, especially the young generation.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/kham-pha-khong-gian-van-hoa-sen-va-kieu-tai-van-mieu-quoc-tu-giam-705035.html