DECORATIVE PATTERNS ON STONE STELAE IN HANOI DURING THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES

Abstract

In
contrast
to
the
turbulent
historical
context,
characterized
by
the
crisis
and
stagnation
of
feudal
society
in

the
17th
and
18th
centuries,
art
reached
its
peak
in
fields
such
as
fine
arts,
architecture,
and
sculpture.
The

decoration
of
stone
stelae
is
one
of
the
most
outstanding
features
of
ancient
sculpture
in
this
period.
Each

stele
has
featured
sophisticated
and
elaborate
motifs,
harmonious
and
balanced
decorative
patterns.
In

particular,
the
decorative
patterns
on
the
stone
stelae
hold
significant
value
in
terms
of
visual
art.
Through

f
ield
research
in
Hanoi,
the
author
offers
his
perspective
on
the
artistic
values,
forms
and
decorations
of
some

typical
stone
stelae.
These
stelae,
as
cultural
heritages
are
like
a
branch
of
the
river
of
Vietnamese
fine
arts,

an
endless
flow
from
ancient
times
to
the
future.
Whether
they
can
be
revealed
or
not
depends
on
in‑depth

study;
whether
they
can
be
preserved
or
not
depends
on
conservation
efforts;
whether
they
can
be
developed

or
not
depends
on
the
proper
care
of
the
current
generation
and
future
generations.