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Long Bach Nguyen | all galleries >> VIETNAM - Saigon, Hanoi, Da Nang, Mekong Delta, 2012 >> Hanoi, Vietnam > Tortoises with stone steles, Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam
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29-NOV-2012

Tortoises with stone steles, Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi view map

On two flanks of the Thien Quang Well stand two halls of 82 stone steles sitting on the tortoises. Those steles with symmetric, simple and low-structure layout have created perfect harmony with the surrounding. The Chinese incriptions on the steles alone is a special artwork. The steles have curved shape with carefully engraved two dragons heading to the moon, looming among the clouds. On the edge of each stele is covered with leaf and floral adornments combined with the Chinese character Triện (the stamp). These stele have their strong bases of stone tortoise, representing longivity and eternity in Vietnamese culture. On 82 steles carved names and achievements of PhD laureates who passed the examinations from the third year of Dai Bao reign (1442) to the 40th year of Canh Hung reign (1779). Besides, those steles also bear the names of Kings who paid special attention to the education and talented people as “talented people are the treasure of the country”.

Nikon D800
1/50s f/5.0 at 52.0mm iso1000 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
Tom LeRoy21-Dec-2012 07:25
A fine shot, love the contrasts wit the red. Great BG info. V
fotabug21-Dec-2012 05:07
Very nice shot
Sam Rua21-Dec-2012 04:10
Very nice comp. Thanks for the BG info.
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