The exhibition features 32 calligraphic artworks, most of which highlight iconic verses from The Tale of Kieu, Nguyen Du’s 3,254-line masterpiece written in the traditional “luc bat” (six-eight) verse form. The lotus flower appears repeatedly within the poem as a subtle metaphor for resilience, purity, and the Vietnamese spirit.
A portrait of Nguyen Du crafted from dried lotus leaves serves as a centrepiece, arranged to evoke the contemplative space of a Confucian scholar. Visitors can also admire a selection of intricately crafted lotus-inspired handicrafts that reflect the deep-rooted presence of “lotus culture” in everyday Vietnamese life.
Professor Le Van Lan praised the event as “a unique convergence of two iconic elements — the lotus and The Tale of Kieu — both individually significant yet harmoniously combined here to offer a fresh cultural perspective.”
The opening ceremony also featured a special showcase of the ao dai collection entitled “Ha Thanh lotus hues” by designer Lan Huong. Representing the four seasons and phases in Kieu’s life, the designs interweave Vietnamese silk, lotus motifs, and poetic storytelling.
Lan Huong shared that her hope is to honour the beauty of nature, womanhood, and Kieu through these designs.
The event is organised by the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities at the Temple of Literature in collaboration with the Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund and Senhouse Viet Nam from June 9 to 15, 2025.
