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| Phan Minh Vũ checks the gilded details on the lacquered plaque of “Thái Hòa Palace” (Palace of Supreme Harmony) |
Honor and Pride
We met Phan Minh Vũ, an employee of the Hue Monuments Restoration Joint Stock Company, as he meticulously conducted a final inspection of the gilded details on the lacquered plaque of “Thái Hòa Điện.” Standing on a forklift for nearly two hours, Vũ carefully examined every tiny corner, touching up imperfections until everything was flawless. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.
Before handing over the restored Thái Hòa Palace monument to prepare for its reopening to visitors, the lacquered plaque of “Thái Hòa Điện” was returned to its original position. “At that moment, all of us, workers, felt emotional and proud. Proud that we had contributed a small part to the magnificent, sophisticated palace you see today,” Vũ shared.
Phan Minh Vũ was one of 79 skilled workers and artisans recently commended by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center for their contributions to the restoration of Thái Hòa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony)—a symbolic structure of the Nguyễn Dynasty and a priceless treasure of Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage. After three years of major restoration, Thái Hòa Palace has regained its former grandeur.
After more than 10 years in the craft, for the first time, Phan Minh Vũ was awarded a certificate of merit and a reward. At the very solemn award ceremony, Vu was moved, “I still remember the words of the Center's leadership: ‘Without you—the artisans and skilled workers who tirelessly dedicate your efforts to the preservation and restoration of these monuments—this work could never be finalized.’”
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| Meticulous in gilding |
Vũ is the youngest member of the team. The 40-plus workers in the gilding section of the Hue Monuments Restoration Joint Stock Company all have 15 to over 20 years of experience. “Though we’re known as gilders, we’re capable of handling every stage. Everyone has a task, knows their role, and strictly adheres to the requirements of restoration work,” Vũ said.
Not only Vũ but also other skilled workers like Võ Thị Bích, Nguyễn Thị Bích Đào, Hoàng Thị Gái, or Lê Văn Kỹ, Lê Văn Kiêm, Nguyễn Văn Khiêu, Nguyễn Đăng Long—artisans honored on this occasion—quietly devoted their skills, love, and zeal to preserving the national heritage every day. From restoring the tiniest details to carrying out tasks requiring absolute precision, they worked with patience, meticulousness, and devotion. Throughout the restoration process, from restoring the smallest details to tasks requiring absolute precision, everything was carried out with patience, meticulousness, and dedication.
“Heritage workers”
In the 31 years since the Complex of Hue Monuments was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, over 200 construction items have been preserved and restored.
The monuments such as Ngọ Môn (Noon Gate), Hiển Lâm Tower (Memorial tower honoring meritorious officials of the Nguyễn Dynasty), the Thế Miếu relic cluster (Temple dedicated to worshiping past emperors of the Nguyễn Dynasty), Diên Thọ Palace (Palace where empress dowagers resided), Duyệt Thị Theater (Royal theater for court performances), Trường Sanh Palace (Palace symbolizing longevity and peace), Đồng Khánh Mausoleum (Mausoleum of Emperor Đồng Khánh), Minh Lâu Tower ( Tower in Minh Mạng’s Mausoleum complex symbolizing enlightenment), Sùng Ân Palace (Temple within Minh Mạng Mausoleum for ceremonial worship), Hòa Khiêm Palace (Temple in Tự Đức Mausoleum where the emperor conducted official duties), Minh Khiêm Theater (Private theater in Tự Đức Mausoleum), Thiên Định Palace (Main hall of Khải Định Mausoleum, richly decorated with inlaid glass and ceramics ), Kiến Trung Palace (Palace reflecting French-Vietnamese architectural fusion, once used as a royal residence), and Thái Hoa Palace (Grand ceremonial hall where emperors held important events) have been restored, upgraded, and returned to their original state.
Behind these achievements is the great effort of artisans and skilled workers who day and night diligently refine each carving, and cherish each roof tile and each piece of ceramic for the heritage.
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| Care is taken of every little detail in Thai Hoa Palace |
According to Hoàng Việt Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, restoration and preservation are specialized tasks requiring workers to possess knowledge of heritage. They must also have expertise and practical experience in traditional crafts such as wood carving, bronze casting, ceramics, painting, and the restoration of ancient architectural structures.
In ancient times, it was the artisans and skilled craftsmen who played a crucial role in creating this architectural heritage. Today, the Complex of Hue Monuments is an invaluable treasure of the nation and the world. And it is these modern-day “heritage workers” who are helping to preserve this invaluable legacy with their talented hands.
“Heritage preservation is not merely restoration; it is a journey to honor the heritage, express deep gratitude for history, and contribute to passing the cultural and artistic flame on to the generations to come. They are not just workers; they are guardians of ancestral essence and those who inspire pride and responsibility for the heritage. For their significant and silent contributions, we must express our gratitude and honor them,” said Mr. Trung.