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Located within the Imperial City of Hue, Thai Binh Lau was a place where the king could rest, read, and enjoy the surrounding scenery. With its unique architecture and artistic decorations, this site has become a popular tourist attraction.
The Thai Binh Lau structure
Thai Binh Lau is a double building consisting of the Front Hall, Main Chamber, and Rear Chamber, connected by two drainage channels. The Rear Chamber is a single-story structure covered with glazed ceramic tiles. The Main Chamber, two stories high, is topped with yin-yang tiles in royal amber. On either side of the building are two Lang wings, one leading to the Ngoc Dịch pond, and the other connecting to a corridor that runs from the Duyet Thi Duong to the Dien Tho Palace.
The front of the building faces east, overlooking the Thiệu Phương Garden. The back faces a beautiful rock garden and a small courtyard leading to the rear of the Duong Tam Hall. Both buildings are remarkable for their architectural structure and the art of ceramic inlays. Most of the decorative motifs here are valuable works of Vietnamese Fine Arts.
Front Hall, Main Chamber, and Rear Chamber
The building's foundation is raised 1 meter above the ground. The front features four brick columns with plaster, and there are three characters: Thai Binh Lau. On either side, there are two inscriptions created by King Khai Dinh. Above the four columns supporting the Front Hall, two pairs of ceramic couplets inlay with writings about the principles of governance and the virtues of an emperor.
Behind the Front Hall is the Main Chamber. This is a two-story wooden building with the ground floor comprising three rooms and two wings. The upper floor has one room with two wings, supported by four round wooden columns extending from the central room of the lower floor to the upper. The roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles and adorned with various decorative motifs. Particularly, the roof ridges and eaves are decorated with intricate ceramic inlay artwork. Surrounding the two floors are modern wooden glass doors designed to enhance natural light.
Following the Main Chamber is the Rear Chamber, a spacious structure with three rooms and two wings, all three sides fitted with wooden glass doors. The roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles and faces a rock garden and the Duong Tam Hall. On the two gable ends, the theme 'Hải Ốc Thiêm Trù' is depicted with the image of three elderly men exchanging well wishes for health and longevity.
History of Thai Binh Lau
Historical records mention that in 1821, Emperor Minh Mang ordered the construction of a wooden house in the western part of the Thiệu Phương Garden, named Trí Nhân Đường. Later, Emperor Thiệu Trị renovated it and renamed it Thanh Thả Thư Lâu. In 1887, Emperor Đồng Khánh constructed a new pavilion called Thái Bình Ngự Lãm Ngư Lâu. During the reign of Emperor Khải Định, the pavilion was remodeled with intricate ceramic inlays and renamed Thái Bình Lâu.
This is the only structure that remains intact in the Forbidden City since the French returned to occupy Hue in 1947. Thai Binh Lau exemplifies perfection in both internal and external architecture according to imperial standards. It is also one of the most remarkable works of decorative art, showcasing unique sculptural craftsmanship that is truly worth admiring.
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnSeptember 23, 2024
