Collectors display artefacts from Asia's ancient cultures

Hanoi collectors found their own way to celebrate Tet — by displaying more than 100 artefacts from Vietnam and neighbouring countries at an exhibition that opened in the capital.
According to Dao Phan Long, Chairman of Thang Long Ceramics and Antiques Researching and Collecting Association, the artefacts have been sourced from the collections of 13 members of the association.
"These objects, in a variety of materials including stone, wood, bronze and ceramic are some of the most valuable collectors have gathered so far," he said.
Through the objects, visitors can gain an insight into ancient Vietnamese cultures through the bronze objects of the Dong Son civilisation from 2,000 to 2,500 years ago, the Chinese occupation period from the 1st to 10th centuries, and the Dinh, Le, Ly, Tran and Nguyen dynasties.
The cultural exchanges that took place between Vietnam and China and Japan are also displayed through various antiques of Qing and Ming dynasties.
All of the antiques displayed have been examined by specialists from the National Antique Examination Council to confirm their period of origin and present condition.
"The exhibition marks the association's celebration of the new year as well as the 1,000th anniversary of the capital," said Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People's Committee. "It is only the first of a series of activities the association is organising as part of the city's millennial celebrations this October."
Long said that some of the objects following the exhibition would then be given to newly established Hanoi Museum, with others auctioned to raise funds to help the city's needy people.
The exhibition will run until March 10 at the Exhibition House, 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi.