Hanoi, August 29, 2024, The Europe Today: The Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi is currently hosting a temporary exhibition showcasing dozens of precious antique artefacts, offering a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Entitled Báu Vật Champa – Dấu Ấn Thời Gian (Champa Treasures – The Marks of Time), the exhibition features over 60 exquisite items crafted from gold and silver during the 17th and 18th centuries, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time.
The Champa Kingdom, which flourished from 192 to 1832 in what is now central Vietnam, is renowned for its unique cultural achievements influenced by Indian and Javanese traditions. The exhibition highlights the artistic legacy of Champa, showcasing three distinctive styles—Mỹ Sơn, Đồng Dương, and Tháp Mẫm—that characterized the kingdom’s contributions to Southeast Asian art. The artefacts on display, including temple ruins and sculptural remnants, underscore the significant role of Hinduism and Buddhism in Champa’s religious life.
Champa reached its cultural zenith during the 9th and 10th centuries, but over time, the kingdom experienced a southward shift and gradual transformation, particularly after the 15th century. This period of change culminated in the establishment of Thuận Thành Town within Champa’s territory in 1692 by Lord Nguyễn, and the eventual incorporation of Champa into Đại Nam (now Vietnam) under Emperor Minh Mạng in 1832.
Despite its historical significance, Champa’s artistic and cultural heritage received limited scholarly attention until recent years. To address this gap, the Vietnam National Museum of History, in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and antique collector Đào Danh Đức, has curated this exhibition to showcase representative artefacts from this fascinating period.
The exhibition is divided into two sections: one dedicated to religious statues and sacred antiquities, and the other highlighting jewellery and items that embody both religious significance and royal authority. This carefully curated collection offers visitors an opportunity to explore the artistic and cultural richness of the Champa Kingdom and its enduring legacy in Vietnamese history.
