Vietnam exhibition honors scholars as traditional craft founders

The exhibition “Tổ nghề và danh Nho nước Việt” (Founding Ancestors and Confucian Scholars of Vietnam) is currently being held at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. The event highlights the connection between historical academic achievement and the development of traditional crafts.

The exhibition features eight scholars inscribed on the Doctor’s steles at the Temple of Literature who are honored as founding ancestors of specific trades. These include Lương Như Hộc (woodblock printing), Phạm Đôn Lễ (mat weaving), Trần Lư (lacquerware), Nguyễn Quang Tán (oil pressing), Phùng Khắc Khoan (silk weaving), along with specialists in embroidery, leatherworking, and tin plating. Additionally, the exhibition recognizes the scholar Đặng Huy Trứ for his role in introducing photography to Vietnam.

Organizers aim to demonstrate that historical knowledge was not confined to books but was applied to technical improvements and the advancement of folk industries. The exhibition serves as a cultural bridge between academic intellect and practical craftsmanship.