Horse sculptures draw crowds to Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature turned colorful and lively in the first days of the new lunar year, thanks to a new art exhibition on this year's zodiac animal, the horse. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

(Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

The horse traditionally symbolizes resilience, strength, loyalty, and indomitable will; but its depictions at this exhibition feel relaxed and artistic. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

(Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

The event showcases works by researcher Dang Minh Tam, who's spent years studying Central Highlands' cultures, as well as artist Le Huy and his team at Lamphong Studio. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

Dang Minh Tam said he based the horses' gestures on the natural shapes of the logs they were carved from, making every sculpture one of a kind. They were also not sanded out completely, leaving most of the chisel marks intact. This approach makes the horses look rustic and alive. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

His works also demonstrate the horse's roles in Central Highlanders' cultural life, as a companion on long journeys, as a sacred figure in rituals, and as an indispensable part of their traditions. (Photo: VOV)

(Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

To celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Temple of Literature, Dang Minh Tam also brought to the exhibition a special collection of concept pieces called "Worshiping the ancestors", featuring sculptures of horses in unorthodox poses: stacked on top of one another, wearing a wreath, reading a book, or supervising a school exam. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

Also featured at the exhibition are lacquer sculptures by Le Huy and Lamphong Studio, which he founded. The lacquer helps create depth and make the horses look confident yet relaxed in the brilliance of spring.

The works delicately blend contemporary tastes with traditional values and tell the story of the zodiac animal. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

The horses radiate a captivating glow, made possible by the lacquer medium. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

These works have brought a contemporary twist to the horse, a traditional symbol of the Vietnamese people's resilience and aspiration to rise. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

(Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

The exhibition appeals to both locals and foreign visitors alike. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

Visitors contemplate the meanings behind the sculptures. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

(Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

The Year of the Horse has arrived, carrying with it hope for perserverance and success in the new year. The works of art on display at the Temple of Literature double as a Lunar New Year greeting and best wishes from the artists to visitors. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV)

Horse sculptures draw crowds to Temple of Literature

21-02-2026 23:49

(VOVWORLD) - Art pieces depicting the horse, the zodiac animal of the lunar year 2026, are now on display at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi, until the end of March. They include wood sculptures by researcher Dang Minh Tam and lacquer sculptures by artist Le Huy and his Lamphong Studio. These works have brought a contemporary twist to the horse, a traditional symbol of the Vietnamese people's resilience and aspiration to rise.