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15/09/2018 - 09:33

Devising a plan to preserve the Cuu long an van mural in Dieu De Pagoda

In order to timely preserve the mural ‘Cuu long an van’ (Nine dragons hidden among the clouds) in Dai Hung hall, Dieu De Pagoda, Hue Monuments Conservation Centre conducted a field survey of the hall and held a forum to discuss the current condition of the mural.

Dieu De Pagoda was built in 1844 during King Thieu Tri’s reign on the old grounds of the king’s former home. The pagoda was recognized by the court as a National pagoda. With historical changes, around 1887, the main works of the temple were destroyed. In the early 1950s, some of the pagoda's buildings were rebuilt with reinforced concrete including the Dai Hung main hall.

Cuu long an van in Dai Hung main hall. Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center

Legend has it that, in 1953, Phan Van Tanh, the palace artisan, painted the mural of the nine dragons hidden among the clouds on the ceiling and the four pillars of the hall. After more than 60 years, Dai Hung hall has seriously been downgraded. The ceiling is cracked in some places and has been remodeled and patched up.

The aim of the survey and discussion is to evaluate the quality of the work, durability and longevity of the materials of Dai Hung hall to propose more suitable solutions to restore the Cuu long an van mural.

By Dong Van

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