III. Hue,
the Imperial City
Vietnamese
stamps also commemorate many aspects of the Imperial City of Hue. The main
gateway to the Imperial Palace, or Ngo-Mon (Noon Gate), is surmounted by
the ornate platform where the Emperor's throne was placed for
celebrations. Built in 1833, 13th year of the Minh-Mang reign, and
repaired in 1921, 15th year of the Khai-Dinh reign, the gate had five
openings (Scott #2, 8, 11).
The tomb of
Emperor Minh-Mang (1820-1840) is the most remarkable of Southeast Asian
imperial sepulchres. Begun in 1841, it was finished in 1843. Situated on
the left bank of the Perfume River, it is set in a pine forest.
From the
river the scene is hidden by a row of enormous Banyan trees. A high brick
wall, 3m high and 5m thick, encircles the tomb. On the east side is a
three-door portico, on either side of the courtyard are two lions cast in
gilt bronze. Many stone mandarins of different rank, and two elephants
guard the necropolis.Three granite stairs with dragon-shaped banisters
lead to two terraced floors. There a square pavilion shelters a marble
stele that tells the feats and virtues of the emperor (Scott #247 and a
coil stamp, #250A issued January 2, 1970).
The famous
Soul Porch (Hien-Lam-Cac) is where the souls of all emperors of the Nguyen
Dynasty are venerated (Scott #501).
The Throne
Hall (Dien-Thai-Hoa) is the spacious room for enthronement of a new
emperor. A lone golden throne served as the emperor's seat during solemn
ritual ceremonies. Built in 1805 by Emperor Gia-Long, four years after his
accession to the Crown, it was repaired in 1834 under the Emperor
Minh-Mang and restored again by Emperor Khai-Dinh in 1924 (Scott #502).
The tomb of
Emperor Tu-Duc (1847-1883) was begun in February 1864 and finished in
March 1867. A great stone wall decorated with porcelain splinters
encircles it. The entrance, a monumental door, faces northwest. A few
steps up is access to the main hall. The scene immediately captivates a
visitor: a large expanse of water, on the bank of, which is a dock built
on piles. A bridge leads to the bathing place. To the right a green islet,
covered by tall Banyan trees, is a haunt of many water birds (Scott #503).
The
Pavilion on the Water (Nha Thuy-Ta) of the tomb of Emperor Tu-Duc is a
beautiful scenery. While Emperor Tu-Duc was still living, the Pavilion was
used as a rest place for fresh air and recreation after working time.
Bao
Tung Nguyen |