On August 29, at 34 Phan Ke Binh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, the National Archives Center III, State Records and Archives Department of Vietnam, organized an exhibition titled “National Treasures – Draft Models of the National Emblem of Vietnam.”
This event commemorates the 78th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and the Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as well as the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the traditional day of the State Organization sector (August 28, 1945 – August 28, 2023).
The National Emblem of Vietnam, a sacred symbol and source of national pride, reflects the fervent aspirations for a peaceful, independent, and prosperous nation standing shoulder to shoulder with international friends across continents.
The genesis and birth of the National Emblem of Vietnam are intricately woven into the history of the nation, intertwined with the struggle to safeguard the people and the fascinating story of the talented artist Bui Trang Chuoc (alias Nguyen Van Chuoc).
The exhibition showcases nearly 200 original artifacts, documents, and images related to the life and career of the artist Bui Trang Chuoc, presented in three parts:
Part 1 – National Emblem of Vietnam – Symbol of National Pride: Introducing documents and images depicting the National Emblem of Vietnam in various events and locations on the mainland, borders, islands, and in important documents, highlighting the significance and sacredness of the National Emblem.
Exhibition of “National Treasures – Draft Models of the National Emblem of Vietnam.” Photo by The Dai
Part 2 – Creative Journey of Designing the National Emblem of Vietnam: Presenting foundational documents for the creation of the National Emblem of Vietnam, such as Dispatch No. 87-NG dated January 28, 1951, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly proposing the design of the National Emblem and National Seal; Dispatch No. 467-NG dated June 8, 1951, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launching a competition for the design of the National Emblem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Following this, the exhibition traces the creative journey of artist Bui Trang Chuoc in designing the National Emblem, from the initial sketches featuring bamboo, buffalo, rice ears, to the diverse shapes, rich colors, and familiar themes, accompanied by autobiographical accounts of the artist’s creative process.
After several rounds of revisions, in September 1955, artist Bui Trang Chuoc completed the final version of the National Emblem, consisting of one color version and two black and white separated color versions, which were presented at the 5th session of the 1st National Assembly.
Following discussions and minor adjustments, the National Emblem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was officially approved by the National Assembly. On January 14, 1956, the Government President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam issued Order No. 254-SL announcing the National Emblem of Vietnam, and it was formally published in the Official Gazette of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam No. 22 on August 8, 1956. On July 21, 1956, the Prime Minister issued Charter No. 973-TTg on the use of the National Emblem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The draft models of the National Emblem by artist Bui Trang Chuoc serve as the origin and foundation for the official National Emblem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (currently the Socialist Republic of Vietnam). These sketches also bear special imprints in terms of theme, content, and meaning in each detail of the artwork, carrying the essence and breath of the nation in every drawing. They are exceptionally rich in imagery, color, uniqueness in form, composition, presentation, and artistic value.
Part 3 – Artist Bui Trang Chuoc – Sculptor of the National Emblem of Vietnam: Introducing the portrait, homeland, family background, educational and professional journey, and creative endeavors of artist Bui Trang Chuoc, illustrating the multifaceted image of this talented artist with numerous valuable works: the model of the National Emblem, stamp designs, currency, and badges, portraits of Vladimir Lenin, President Ho Chi Minh, and more.
Acknowledging his exceptional talent, the Communist Party and the State of Vietnam have bestowed upon him various medals and awards of high distinction: First-Class Resistance against American Aggression Medal (1988), and Second-Class Labor Medal (1988). The Lao People’s Democratic Republic also honored him with the Isala Medal of Laos (1982).
In 2018, the name of artist Bui Trang Chuoc was immortalized with the naming of a street in the place of his birth, now located in Phu Thuong Ward (Tay Ho, Hanoi).
In 2022, artist Bui Trang Chuoc was honored with the Ho Chi Minh Award, featuring the design of a medal set comprising the Golden Star Medal, Ho Chi Minh Medal, Independence Medal, Labor Medal, the model of the National Emblem of Vietnam, and the artwork “Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Complex.”
H.A