Researcher Tran Dinh Son introduces artifacts made from jade and ivory.

All of these exquisitely crafted masterpieces of Vietnam and other countries in the East Asian cultural region have been painstakingly collected by the museum's owner - researcher Tran Dinh Son over the past decades.

In the museum's adequate space, more than 100 artifacts from jade to ivory have been displayed by the owner in a systematic and scientific manner, taking viewers on a historical journey through the artifacts.

For many people, jade and ivory have been very familiar in life from ancient times to modern times. However, artifacts made from these materials do not always appear in mass production, because this heritage is mostly only associated with the lives of the nobility or serves spiritual rituals with worship statues, magic weapons...

These can be Buddha statues, pen holders, pen holders, tripods, vases, trays, seals, rosaries... originating from Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, dating from the early 17th century to the early 20th century. All are carved in relief and relief with great sophistication. Each artifact is associated with a story, anecdote as well as showing the level of the maker and owner.

Ivory artifacts originating from Japan

Mr. Tran Phong ( Hue City), an antique lover, said that he was "chilled" when he first witnessed a mass of artifacts crafted from jade and ivory, especially artifacts made from ivory. For a long time, he only admired Vietnamese artifacts and had almost no comparison until he saw artifacts from Japan, China, and India placed side by side. "The craftsmanship of the ancients was so skillful. Especially artifacts originating from Japan, not only are they sophisticated but also diverse in theme," Mr. Phong commented.

Among the many artifacts that Mr. Son brought out for display this time, viewers were very impressed with the ivory Buddha statue originating from Japan. With only a moderate size, it can be seen that the craftsmanship of the ancient Japanese artisans is extremely sophisticated and skillful. In addition to the base carved with embossed dragon motifs, the middle part of the statue probably reached its peak when the Buddha statues were carved in relief inside, along with a system of 2 opening doors with many related details.

Researcher Tran Dinh Son called it a masterpiece when mentioning the Buddha statue that he had the chance to own. At a glance, one can clearly see the level of Japanese artisans in crafting ivory artifacts. According to Mr. Son, this statue was originally created to serve merchants who had long trading trips. When needed, they would "invite" this Buddha statue to perform a ceremony, convenient but extremely solemn.

In more than 100 artifacts, Mr. Son also made a comparison about the different hobbies of each country. He cited that while Vietnam and China only carved statues of gods and Buddhas, on the contrary, the sculptures of the Japanese were very diverse, such as statues of cowherds, woodcutters, street sweepers, etc.

Therefore, through this exhibition, in addition to introducing to the public the historical, artistic and spiritual values ​​of the works as well as the unique features of jade and ivory sculpture, it is also an opportunity for viewers to compare the art and ways of playing with jade and ivory of different countries, with similarities and differences.

“I hope that the exhibition will help visitors to approach precious artifacts and antiques, highlighting the colorful picture of cultural heritage of the nation and countries. From there, there will be better awareness in protecting and promoting the value of cultural heritage,” researcher Tran Dinh Son confided.

Nhat Minh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/ngoc-nga-ke-chuyen-thu-choi-xua-158128.html