a long life, a photo from Thua Thien-Hue, North Central Coast

Photographer's Note

HUE, the former imperial capital, is another must-stop in central Vietnam. It was the capital of Đàng Trong Kingdom from 1738 to 1775 and of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

The major attraction here is its vast, 19th-century citadel. The grounds of this "Imperial City" are protected by fortified ramparts 2 kilometers by 2 kilometers, and ringed by a moat.

Most of the Imperial City was destroyed during the American War, but gradually it is being restored to some of its former beauty.

We spent half a day wandering around inside, often admiring the small details and artwork of the various halls, courtyards and villas. Some of them are original, most of them have been lovingly restored (or even rebuilt).

We visited Hue first in 1999. Visiting it again now we often found ourselves wondering which buildings we had seen before and which ones were "new".

Anyway, I absolute love this kind of artwork and hope you appreciate it too.

---

THIS PICTURE shows a very Vietnamese symbol. It represent "long life". Here it is incorporated in a wall to close off the gate.

Traditionally it is believed evil spirits can travel only in a straight line, so if you put up a wall in front or just behind your gate, they cannot enter. The sign adds even more meaning to the wall.

Protection from evil and a long life, isn't that what we all want?

Technically, this mosaic is made with shattered pieces of broken bowls and cups. This technique is fairly common in Vietnam (and China), but I've been told it's getting more and more difficult to find crafstmen who really master it.

papagolf21, jean113, clic, PaulVDV, mcmtanyel trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

papagolf21 (145112) 2019-09-11 6:38

Bonjour, cher Benny,
J'ai beaucoup apprécié la note d'accompagnement, elle explique bien l'intérêt de ces ornements particuliers et ses "légendes" s'y rattachant.
Ce qui a de plus intéressant ce sont les éléments utilisés pour assurer ce décor si particulier.
Un grand merci pour le partage.
Amitiés.
Philippe

jean113 (16099) 2019-09-11 7:10

Hello Benny, very interesting notes.
The colours and pattern are delightful, no straight lines in sight.
I like the close up view.
Regards
Jean

Gerrit (56635) 2019-09-11 11:41

Dag Bernny,
Een erg mooi detail van het vele rijke dat daar te zien is. Het was een verademing na de verboden stad in Beijing zo rustig toen ik er was.
Groet, Gerrit

jang (1438) 2019-09-11 15:52

Hi BennyV
This is a geometric Chinese character pattern. The writing has a long life=壽.
After being annexed by the Chinese Han Dynasty in 111 B.C., the Vietnamese region was ruled by China until 939.
Therefore, Chinese culture is deeply ingrained without knowing it.

Nicou (188486) 2019-09-11 20:13

Hello

Quel décor et ornements fantastique détail et image ces formes avec du bleu ce rond au milieu on dirait des petits serpents quei se promènent dans l’image sueprbe
Bravo et amitié
Nciou

emka (139218) 2019-09-11 23:49

Hello Benny,

Your picture remind me ny travel to Vietnam some years ago. I also visited this Forbidden City in Hue. And I think the restorations had been made already. Have you also visited the imperial tombs? They were impressive and something different than the usual tombs. I didn't know what is the meaning of this sign. Amazing technique. The shattered pieces of broken pottery are often used in Thailand too.

Kind regrads MAlgo

PaulVDV (49024) 2019-09-12 1:56

Hallo Benny,
Hue is de stad waarvan minder jonge reizigers in Vietnam me steeds adviseerden om ze te bezoeken in plaats van Hoi An. Jongere reizigers gaven echter duidelijk de voorkeur aan Hoi An.
Het was dan inderdaad de citadel die sommigen zo wonderbaarlijk vonden.
Ik weet niet of de blauwe steentjes kostbaar zijn. Het lijkt een beetje op lapis lazuli.
Prachtig dat je ons met deze foto allen nog een lang leven wenst.
Vele groeten, Paul

clic (22826) 2019-09-12 6:40

Hello Benny What a beautiful picture of a decorative anti-evil protection! I really don't know whether the mesmerizing designs are secured to marble of rusted steel, but anyway the whole remains very attractive! Cheers

abmdsudi (81592) 2019-09-12 19:54

Hi Benny
Brill observation, superb work of art that's a gorgeous piece, immac detailed and wonderful colour. Thanks for the info. I always marvel at the patience involved when creating this terrific work of art. This shot does such inspired work great justice, doing what all good detail shots should... study it to take it all in......love it. Congrats
Best regards

mcmtanyel (54589) 2019-09-19 20:50

Hello Benny,
I like the colors and textures in this photo. The shapes are interesting, too. 👍🏻👍🏻
Regards,
MT