The Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains is the first privately established museum in Thua Thien Hue. It was founded under decision number 1103/QD-UBND of the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province on June 20, 2013, and officially opened to visitors during the Traditional Craft Festival in Hue in April 2013.

The museum's current exhibition space was previously the private residence of Tran Dinh Ba, a high-ranking official of the Nguyen Dynasty and a member of the royal court. In 2012, with the support and interest of the provincial People's Committee and relevant authorities, as well as the efforts of Tran Dinh Son, a third-generation descendant of Tran Dinh Ba and a collector of historical artifacts, the old ancestral house was restored and transformed into a museum. It is located at 114 Mai Thuc Loan Street in Hue City.

Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains is the only remaining ancient house on the main street in the Imperial City of Hue.

In the ancient setting of the centuries-old house, the Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains is a place that preserves thousands of rare and valuable antiquities, with a history dating back to the time of the Chinese domination, through the periods of Ly, Tran, Le dynasties, and most notably, hundreds of artifacts in the Nguyen Dynasty porcelain style. Although the exhibition space is not extensive, it effectively showcases the beauty and cultural significance of these distinctive antique collections, reflecting the rich heritage and cultural essence of Vietnam throughout various historical periods.

The exhibition space at the Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains (located at 114 Mai Thuc Loan, Hue City)

Currently, the Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains features three main collections, including the Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelain Collection (from 1802 to 1945), the Vietnamese Ceramics Collection (from the 1st century to the 20th century), and the collection serving the "four pleasures" of the Vietnamese people (including betel chewing, tea enjoyment, smoking, and drinking alcohol).

1. Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelain Collection (from 1802 to 1945)

The Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelain Collection comprises items made from porcelain to serve the activities of the imperial court and the royal family. These pieces were designed and ordered by kings and high-ranking officials and produced in renowned kilns in foreign countries such as China, England, France, Japan, etc. This tradition of porcelain production for the Nguyen Dynasty dates back to the reigns of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, and continued through the reigns of Khai Dinh and Bao Dai.

Porcelain commissioned by the king is referred to as "ngự dụng," while that commissioned by officials is called "quan dụng."

In each historical period, these antiquities exhibit differences in their themes, patterns, motifs, and decorative colors. Some of these artifacts feature printed poems and beautiful scenes that praise the beauty of the homeland. Others are adorned with enamel, gold, silver, and decorations depicting images of dragons, phoenixes, or various motifs like the octagonal pattern, the four blessings, and the four seasons. Through these differences, they vividly reflect the social order during the feudal era, the personality and worldview of the owners of these antiques, and, simultaneously, provide insights into the unique aspects of culture, art, and aesthetics during each historical period of these commissioned porcelain items. Additionally, they showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient artisans who created them.

2. Vietnamese Ceramics Collection (from the 1st century to the 20th century)

The collection of Vietnamese ceramics from the 1st to the 20th century is divided into three smaller collections, including: Vietnamese ceramics from the 1st to the 9th century; Vietnamese ceramics during the Ly Tran period (from the 10th to the 14th century), and ceramics from the Le dynasty period (from the 15th to the 16th century).

3. Collection serving the "four pleasures" of the Vietnamese people (including betel chewing, tea enjoyment, smoking, and drinking alcohol)

The collection serving the "four joys" of the Vietnamese people, including betel chewing, tea enjoyment, smoking, and drinking alcohol, consists of a diverse array of artifacts made from various materials such as gold, silver, ivory, bronze, ceramics, and bamboo. These items showcase intricate craftsmanship and have

In the course of nation-building and expansion, Hue served as the imperial capital for the Nguyen Dynasty, Tay Son Dynasty, and the final feudal dynasty of Vietnam, the Nguyen Dynasty. Therefore, present-day Hue is regarded as the cradle of antiques and a place to fully realize and appreciate the cultural value and heritage that each antique item carries.

The Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains is a fascinating destination for visitors to Hue.

It would be a missed opportunity for travelers not to allocate some time to explore this museum, especially after visiting the royal tombs, the Imperial City of Hue, and other historical sites. It offers a chance to immerse oneself in the distant past and marvel at the artistic craftsmanship that our ancestors left behind. The museum is an ideal place for researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts of antiquities to appreciate high-quality artworks from various historical periods. It also serves as an educational resource for students and scholars. For tourists, it's a multifaceted destination where you can explore historical relics, delve into the beauty and rich culture of Hue, and admire precious artifacts.

Below are some images of the antiquities at the Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains:

Here's a route guide to The Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains in Hue, Vietnam:

Starting Point: Hue City Center

Head East: Begin your journey from the central part of Hue City.

Turn Left onto Mai Thuc Loan Street: This is the main road leading to the museum.

Continue Straight: Follow Mai Thuc Loan Street as it leads you towards your destination.

Arrive at The Museum: The Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains is located at 114 Mai Thuc Loan Street. You'll find it on your left-hand side.

Destination: The Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains

Address: 114 Mai Thuc Loan Street, Hue City, Vietnam

Enjoy your visit to the museum and explore the rich history and artistry of the Nguyen Dynasty period and the beautiful porcelain artifacts on display.

- Take a moment to read the museum's introduction and history to understand its significance.

- Learn about the establishment of the museum within the ancestral home of Tran Dinh Ba.

- Try to understand the historical context of the artifacts, especially those from the Nguyen Dynasty period.

- Learn about the significance of these items in Vietnamese history.

- Explore the beautiful garden surrounding the museum, which has been carefully preserved.

- Share your experience and what you've learned with friends and family. Museums are great places to foster a love for history and culture.

- Enjoy your visit to The Museum of Nguyen Dynasty Commissioned Porcelains and the rich history it has to offer.