A Portrait of the Great Poet Nguyen Du Crafted from Dried Lotus Leaves
Throughout history, many refined literati have borrowed the image of the lotus flower to express their sentiments and character through literary works of various genres. Among the most prominent faces is the great poet Nguyen Du (1766–1820), author of the literary masterpiece The Tale of Kieu. The lotus flower is one of the recurring metaphors that the great poet frequently employed in his classic work. The “Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space” was organized with the desire to honor the humanistic values in the thoughts of the great poet Nguyen Du and the Vietnamese cultural identity imbued in the image of the lotus.
Exhibited Works Inspired by the Beauty of the Lotus and The Tale of Kieu
Designer Lan Huong (in white) shares and introduces the “Kieu” Ao Dai design.
The exhibition presents 32 calligraphy works, most of which showcase the distinctive verses of The Tale of Kieu by Nguyen Du, particularly lines that directly reference or evoke the image of the lotus with subtle metaphorical value. The exhibition space also features a portrait of the great poet Nguyen Du crafted from dried lotus leaves, arranged in a composition that allows viewers to imagine the study room of a Confucian scholar – humble yet noble. In addition, visitors can admire a number of exquisite handicraft works associated with the lotus, serving as a vivid testament to “lotus culture,” which has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.
Le Xuan Kieu – Director of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activity Center, shares at the exhibition opening
Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activity Center, shared: “The exhibition not only honors cultural values but is also closely connected to the Nguyen Tien Dien family – hometown of the great poet Nguyen Du. This family, particularly Nguyen Nghiem – father of Nguyen Du, who once held the position of Rector of the Quoc Tu Giam and was recorded on the Doctoral Stele at Van Mieu – made significant contributions to the nation’s education. The ‘Lotus and Kieu Cultural Space’ not only celebrates the refined beauty of the lotus but also evokes the humanistic depth and national cultural identity crystallized through the poetry of Nguyen Du,” emphasized Le Xuan Kieu.
Visitors Enthusiastically Explore the Exhibition
At the opening, delegates and visitors admired the Ao Dai designs by designer Lan Huong inspired by the “lotus.”
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