Nhat Binh dress is not only beautiful and unique, but also associated with a famous person of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The dress was once part of the collection of Linda Wrigglesworth – one of the world’s leading experts on ancient costumes. Historical and cultural experts who understand the value of Nhat Binh’s dress are moved when thinking about the life of the last queen of the Nguyen Dynasty as well as the last queen of Vietnam.
Queen Nam Phuong is famous for her gentle beauty, virtue, and talent. She had won the Miss Indochina pageant three times. Many books and anecdotes talked about her beauty, virtue as well as the pain hidden behind her secret tears.
In the last years of her living in France – where she had studied when she was young – the homesickness and private feelings of Queen Nam Phuong were immense.
Watching Nhat Binh’s dress displayed at Thai Hoa Palace, many people probably feel like they are touching the souls of the ancients, like reading historic books that had faded in their memories.
After so many years of living abroad, Queen Nam Phuong still kept Nhat Binh’s dress. This was not because she regretted the past. This was the way she preserved a Vietnamese identity.
When being asked about the journey of buying the dress, Mr. Tran Phan Anh said: “Buying Nhat Binh’s dress of Queen Nam Phuong to donate to Hue is the joy and happiness of my family. Being able to contribute a small part in collecting and preserving valuable historical and cultural artifacts is a lucky thing for me.”
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said: “With the addition of Nhat Binh’s dress of Queen Nam Phuong, the center has more artifacts along with information about the history and culture of the Nguyen Dynasty, to serve the research and education of history, while also meeting the needs of tourists to learn and enjoy the culture.”
Philanthropists who seek to buy and collect valuable historical and cultural artifacts – especially those “wandering” from the horizon to return to their old places – have truly made a great contribution to the country.
Vietnam has a long history and cultural traditions, but through many ups and downs, many valuable artifacts have been “scattered by the wind and dust”. Individuals and organizations are willing to spend time and money to hunt for artifacts to bring back and donate. Those artifacts, in addition to their material value, also have spiritual value, which is a message of patriotism.
