Discover Vietnam’s Legendary Scholars and Traditional Crafts at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature.

The stories of Vietnam’s celebrated scholars, master craftsmen and intellectual pioneers are being brought to life at a special exhibition at the Temple of Literature, one of Hanoi’s most treasured cultural and historical landmarks.

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Titled “Patron Saints and Eminent Scholars of Vietnam,” the exhibition offers visitors a fascinating journey into the lives of distinguished historical figures who made remarkable contributions not only to education and national development but also to the preservation and advancement of traditional Vietnamese crafts.

Marking a first for the heritage site, the exhibition explores the important role of scholars as founders and patron saints of various traditional trades. It is part of the activities celebrating the upcoming 950th anniversary of the Temple of Literature, established in 1076, and the 16-day Hanoi Creative Design Festival, which begins on November 13.

Throughout Vietnam’s history, generations of talented scholars have devoted their knowledge and abilities to serving the nation. Beyond their achievements in education and public service, many also helped introduce new techniques, spread knowledge and develop traditional handicrafts. Their contributions earned them lasting recognition as the founders and patron saints of different professions.

According to Nguyen Van Tu, Deputy Director of the Temple of Literature’s Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, Vietnam’s nearly 950-year-old examination-based education tradition has produced thousands of outstanding individuals. Many of them played an important role in developing traditional crafts, leaving a valuable legacy for future generations.

The exhibition introduces eight scholars whose names are recorded on the stone stelae at the Temple of Literature and who were later honoured as patron saints of traditional crafts. It also features Dang Huy Tru, a prominent historical figure widely recognised as the pioneer of photography in Vietnam.

Arranged across nine exhibition zones, the event creates an engaging conversation between historical heritage, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression. Instead of presenting conventional biographies, the stories are interpreted through a variety of creative forms, including woodcarving, lacquer art, embroidery, textiles, sculpture and photography.

Visitors can begin their journey with the story of Luong Nhu Hoc, the patron saint of woodblock printing. Through the works and demonstrations of artisan Cong Dat and painters Tran Cong Dung, Pham Khac Quang and Pham Hung Anh, visitors can discover the scholar’s legacy while observing the intricate techniques behind this traditional craft.

The exhibition also explores the heritage of sedge mat weaving, associated with scholar Pham Don Le. Artist Vu Xuan Dong, together with skilled artisans from Nga Son Village in Thanh Hoa Province, brings this centuries-old craft to life through an artistic installation showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional woven mats.

Another highlight celebrates scholar Tran Lu, who is honoured in connection with son ta, Vietnam’s traditional lacquer art. Known for its durability, rich colours and enduring lustre, this natural lacquer technique is presented through contemporary creations by artist Truong Hoang Hai, Pham Ngoc Hoa’s HD team and fellow artisans, demonstrating how traditional materials can inspire innovative artistic approaches.

The ancient craft of oil pressing is also featured through the story of scholar Nguyen Quang Tan, interpreted in sculptural works by Thai Nhat Minh and Dinh Van Trong.

Other traditional professions represented include gauze weaving, associated with Phung Khac Khoan; leather tanning, linked to Nguyen Thoi Trung; tin plating, associated with Nguyen Chinh; and embroidery, connected to Le Cong Hanh. Through diverse materials and artistic interpretations, these displays reveal the richness of Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship and its continued relevance in modern life.

A particularly interesting section is dedicated to Dang Huy Tru, a distinguished scholar, reformist official and patriot of the Nguyen Dynasty. Widely regarded as a pioneer of Vietnamese photography, he opened the country’s first locally owned photography studio in Hanoi in 1869, helping introduce Western photographic technology despite considerable social scepticism at the time.

His legacy is revisited through artworks by artist Nguyen The Son, photographer Pham Duy and students from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, offering visitors a fresh perspective on the development of photography in Vietnam.

Adding another contemporary dimension to the exhibition, artist Tran Hau Yen The has created a series of mica-engraved stelae throughout the exhibition space. These installations establish a creative connection between the traditional imagery of Vietnam’s stone stelae and modern visual art.

Curator Nguyen The Son explained that the exhibition aims not only to honour Vietnam’s long-standing traditions of scholarship, respect for knowledge and creativity but also to present heritage as a living source of inspiration. By bringing historical stories into dialogue with contemporary artistic practices, the event demonstrates how traditional cultural values can continue to enrich communities and inspire urban development.

Combining historical documents, artefacts, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary installations, the exhibition offers a distinctive cultural experience for both local residents and international visitors. It provides an opportunity to discover lesser-known stories behind Vietnam’s traditional industries while gaining a deeper appreciation of the country’s intellectual heritage and creative spirit.

For travellers exploring Hanoi, a visit to the Temple of Literature during this exhibition is an excellent way to experience Vietnam beyond its famous landscapes and cuisine. It offers a meaningful glimpse into the people, knowledge and craftsmanship that have shaped the nation’s cultural identity over centuries.

The “Patron Saints and Eminent Scholars of Vietnam” exhibition runs until December 5 at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Hanoi.

Source: Vietnamnews.

Photos: Collected.