Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy receives the “Vinh Quy Bai To” wooden masterpiece setting two Vietnam records

A Masterpiece Marking Hanoi’s 71st Liberation Anniversary

To commemorate the 71st anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025), the Hanoi Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee presented the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities with a remarkable wooden artwork titled “Vinh Quy Bai To.”

This handcrafted masterpiece reflects Vietnam’s deep respect for education, culture, and heritage.

A Unique Work Setting Two Vietnam Records

Created by artisan Bui Trong Lang, head of the Bui Gia Woodcarving Workshop in Ngoc Than traditional craft village, Hanoi, the “Vinh Quy Bai To” relief has achieved two national records:

• The largest handcrafted wooden relief painting made from a single wood block in Vietnam.

• The relief with the greatest number of human figures in Vietnam.

The work took 27 months of carving and 9 months of design and research. Measuring 8.33 meters long, 1.7 meters wide, and 16 centimeters thick, it depicts a scholar’s journey — from his early studies to his triumphant homecoming in the “Vinh Quy Bai To” procession.

The artwork features 348 human figures, 55 animals, and 35 architectural structures, along with numerous flags and ceremonial objects — each carved with remarkable detail and symbolism.

Honoring Vietnam’s Tradition of Learning

According to Dr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy Center, Vietnam’s imperial examinations produced 2,785 doctoral laureates across 184 national exams, including 56 Trang Nguyen (First Laureates).

The “Vinh Quy Bai To” ceremony symbolizes a scholar’s return to his hometown to honor teachers and ancestors — a gesture of virtue and gratitude deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

The carving vividly depicts this scene: the scholar on horseback welcomed by villagers amid Khue Van Pavilion, village gates, banyan trees, and lotus ponds — all evoking the spirit of Vietnam’s golden age of Confucian learning.

A Tribute to Craftsmanship

Artisan Bui Trong Lang shared:

“This artwork expresses our desire to honor Vietnamese culture and preserve the timeless beauty of our traditions through woodcarving.”

Following the Vietnamese fine arts principle of “Vital Flow and Liveliness,” the composition resembles a dragon in motion — symbolizing Thang Long – Hanoi, the “City of Rising Dragons.”

A Meaningful Addition to the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy

Displayed in the House of Great Learning (Nha Thai Hoc), the most important cultural and educational space at the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, the “Vinh Quy Bai To” painting enhances the site’s artistic and educational value.

It reminds younger generations of the importance of knowledge, respect for teachers, and service to the nation — echoing the saying:

“Talented people are the vital essence of the nation.”

“Vinh Quy Bai To” – A Timeless Symbol of Scholarship

The phrase “Vinh Quy” means “to return home in honor,” while “Bai To” means “to pay homage to one’s ancestors.”
For over 800 years, this ceremony has embodied Vietnam’s respect for learning, gratitude, and moral integrity.

Since 1070, when King Ly Thanh Tong founded the Temple of Literature, and 1076, when King Ly Nhan Tong established the Imperial Academy, education has been at the heart of Vietnamese society.
In 1253, King Tran Thai Tong opened the institution to talented commoners — an early step toward merit-based education.

Today, the “Vinh Quy Bai To” wooden masterpiece stands as a living symbol of Vietnam’s devotion to scholarship, teachers, and ancestors — values that continue to guide the nation’s future.

images: Collected

Source: VOV2

Plan Your Trip with TripAsean Tours

👉 Contact TripAsean Tours: For customized trip planning, hotel recommendations, and expert travel tips.

• • • • • • • 📞 Hotline: +84 961 518 918
            • 🌐 Website: www.tripasean.com
            • 📧 Email: info@tripasean.com
            • 📝 Let me know your request: Fill out the form here