Among the 140 items from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) on show aregemstone-encrusted seals and a gold-inlaid sword that was donated to thenation in 1945.
The exhibition also includes a collectionof gemstone artworks of famous landmarks and legendary characters. Theartworks differ from those made in China and bear the distinctivehallmarks of Nguyen Dynasty artisans.
There are also eightfigurines of Tao fairies made from white and grey gemstones thatoriginated in China . They differ from Buddhist figurines, which aretypically composed of green, red and brown gemstones. The Buddhistfigurines also feature the typical high bun hairstyles and oval faces.
The exhibition also includes statuettes of the twelve animals of thezodiac dating from the 19th century. They are all depicted in a seatedposition holding a sacred object.
Nguyen Van Cuong, themuseum's director, said the current exhibition would be followed byothers displaying more national treasures, memorabilia and artefacts.
The Ancient Vietnamese Gems exhibition, which will run for severalmonths, is the first of its kind to be held at the museum. /.