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Vinh Phuc province has, for millennia, accumulated exceptional cultural values. Here lies a particularly unique national treasure, showcasing the talent and creativity of pottery artisans from centuries past – the Ceramic Men Tower at Chua Tro Temple.
Ceramic Men Tower at Chua Tro Temple – Unique National Treasure in Vinh Phuc
The Ceramic Men Tower was officially recognized as a national treasure in 2018. Originally serving as a ceremonial tower at Chua Tro Temple (Dai Phuc Tu) in Yen Phuong commune, Yen Lac district, it is solemnly placed in front of the temple. This ancient temple is believed to have been built during the Ly–Tran period.
The entire tower is adorned with rich decorative motifs such as lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, leaf patterns, dragons, clouds, antlers, jewels, Kinari, Buddha statues, and stupa – embodying the essence of Buddhist art.
This tower, the largest and best-preserved in the ancient ceramic collection of Dai Viet, is crafted from glazed ceramic with three colors: jade green, white, and brown. Its structure starts as a wide square base and gradually narrows towards the top, with a hollow interior consisting of 9 floors.
The tower base is composed of four similar blocks ingeniously assembled into a sturdy square box. On the base, there are two bands of intricate floral patterns. The tower pedestal is a square box with four elegantly decorated quỳ (mythical animal) legs at each corner. The tower body is also a separate square block, creating a layered effect. A total of 446 Buddha statues are arranged from top to bottom, creating a sense of tiers and layers, with the presence of the Buddha felt everywhere.
The Ceramic Pagoda of Tro Temple is a representative example of the highly refined ceramic glaze artistry of the late 10th century. The ceramic pagoda reflects a prosperous period of Buddhism when it was officially recognized as the national religion by the Ly and Tran dynasties.
The decorative patterns on the pagoda also reflect the assimilation of Indian, Chinese Buddhism, and Cham Pa art by the Vietnamese people, displaying a flexible attitude. However, it also asserts the inheritance of traditional Dong Son elements, as evidenced by the delicate floral patterns and carvings on the upper tiers of the pagoda.
The technique of decorating patterns on the pagoda involves a harmonious combination of embossing and engraving, with a tight layout that emphasizes the motifs and glazed colors. All of these factors contribute to the distinctiveness of the Ceramic Pagoda of Tro Temple, making it a unique masterpiece in the history of Vietnamese ceramics during the Dai Viet period.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 26, 2022
