As part of a series of sideline activities during the ongoing Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2023, the 3^rd edition of the 'Antiquities of Da Nang people' thematic exhibition is taking place at the Museum of Da Nang from June 17 - July 17.

A set of wooden tables and chairs belonging to the Nguyen Dynasty furniture collection in late 19th century and early 20th century is displayed at the exhibition. Photo: X.D

In recent years, the socialisation of museum activities has increasingly attracted the attention and participation of organisations and individuals across the city.

From the movement of artifact donation, exhibitions and private museums have been born, which are clear evidence for the development of the socialisation movement for cultural heritages in the city.

Following the success of two antique exhibitions held in 2012 and 2017, this year’s exhibition introduces to the public more than 50 typical and selected antiques of collectors in Da Nang.

According to a representative from the Museum of Da Nang, the antiques are made of various types and materials, dating from the 16^th century to the Nguyen Dynasty. Each exhibit features a story and vivid evidence for the historical - cultural flow of the nation.

Through antiquities, the public has the opportunity to travel to the past in order to learn about the features of the cultural life of Da Nang people hundreds of years ago. In addition, the event also contributes to diversifying cultural activities to serve visitors to Da Nang during DIFF 2023.

The antiques are displayed in 5 areas associated with specific themes: wooden furniture of the Nguyen Dynasty in late 19^th century and early 20^th century by collector Ho Anh Tuan; Chu Dau pottery dating from the 16^th-17^th centuries by collector Truong Hoai Tuyen; Chinese ceramics dating from the 18^th - 19^th centuries by collector Pham Phu Khanh; and oil lamps in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries by collector Le Phuoc Quang; and ancient coins by collector Dang Le Kim Hoa.

Head of the Collection - Display and Preservation Department of the Museum of Da Nang Tran Van Chuan said that his museum has carefully examined and evaluated the value of the displayed antiques at the exhibition. All are original artifacts preserved intact over hundreds of years.

In particular, there are very rare antiques, containing material and spiritual values such as wooden bookcases and utensils during the Nguyen Dynasty, and Chu Dau traditional ceramic vases with typical patterns of the later Le Dynasty.

“The existence of these antiquities is a sacred message from the past, as well as a call to remind us to continue in the cause of preservation and promotion of the value of national cultural heritages" Mr. Chuan noted.

Currently, in the city, there are many private collectors who own many precious antiques. According to collector Ho Anh Tuan, there are a lot of private collectors in the city in particular and the country in general, and each of them has own style and point of view. However, in general, antique collectors in Da Nang often pursue artifacts with their own imprints appearing only in a historical period or a locality.

Notably, collectors in Da Nang consider the preservation and promotion of the value of artifacts as a common responsibility. Many of them regularly donate and support artifacts and antiquities to the museum, contributing to diversifying display activities, and meeting the public's demand for cultural enjoyment.

Within the framework of this year’s exhibition, the Museum of Da Nang has received artifacts donated by nearly 10 private collectors in the city.

Director of the Museum Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien said that since its launch in 2012, the movement to call on private collectors to donate artifacts to the museum has brought practical effects.

Many valuable sources of documents and artifacts donated by organisations and individuals have enriched the museum's basic inventory, bringing to the public cultural and heritage values of various types and contents.

With its responsibility, the museum will effectively store and exploit donated artifacts, as well as make specific plans to display them in order to maximise their heritage values. This is also a way of respecting the past, and at the same time serving the education of historical traditions, and arousing national pride in each citizen.

Reporting by THIEN DUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG