An exhibit featuring precious paintings on Vietnamese traditional costumes and headdresses which were used by the royal members and commoners from Ly dynasty (1009-1225) to Nguyen dynasty (1802 -1945), is running from Aug 23 to Sept 9.

The exhibit can be considered a sequel to the recently released book titled “Ngan nam ao mu” (Costumes and headdresses spanning a thousand years), which has earned much critical acclaim.

As the publication, which features extensive research on shapes and styles of the attires and headdresses and when they were used, is quite limited in its number of pages, several pictures were printed in small sizes.

To cater to readers’ demands, the book author, Tran Quang Duc, Nha Nam Co. and Manzi Art Space thus jointly put on the exhibition at 14 Phan Huy Ich st., Hanoi at 6pm starting Aug 23.

The exhibit will showcase twenty 40x60 cm antique paintings dating back to 14th to 19th centuries. Among them is the 1:1 copy of a painting called “Zhulin da shi chushan tu (The painting on Truc Lam monk descending the mount), which is provided by China’s Liaoning Museum. Drawn in 1336, the original painting is a famous Chinese water-color and calligraphy painting, which depicts the Truc Lam monk, or Tran Nhan Tong, (1258 – 1308), the third king of Tran dynasty (1225- 1400), descending from Vu Lam cavern.

Also to be featured are a coat used by one of Trinh Lords (1545 – 1787) and a sparkling gown used by a high-ranking Nguyen dynasty mandarin.

The book author will also hold a talk with spectators at 3pm on Aug 28.