Kaleidoscope - The Emperor’s Tomb

Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) of the Nguyen Dynasty came to the throne in 1916. He began building his tomb in 1920 but did not see its completion during his life time. Whilst he was emperor for 9 years, construction of his relatively small – by standards of his predecessors in terms of area – but elaborate tomb took 11 years. It was finally done in 1931 and attracted much criticism with its ‘unhappy’ fusion of modern-western and traditional Vietnamese-Asian architectural styles, materials and techniques. Nevertheless, it was included into the Complex of Hue Monuments listed as a UNESCO World heritage of cultural value. It was viewed as being representative of the last stage in the series of evolution of royal tomb design.

The entire mausoleum complex of Khai Dinh command unimpeded views of the surrounding environment - sitting on the slopes of Chau Chu Mount on the south bank of beautiful Perfume River. The location and orientation of the tomb within the complex adheres faithfully to ancient geomancy principles to ensure the well-being of his descendents and longevity of the dynasty when he leaves for the next world towards eternity. The main building housing his altar, tomb chamber and other inter-connecting rooms hosting his personal items is called Thien Dinh Palace.

The journey up to the tomb begins with 127 steps to the red cast iron gates. The pillars, steps and dragons lining the sides are made of concrete. Both relatively modern materials are not characteristic of royal tomb architecture which traditionally used solid stone. Bronze was symbolically used in most imperial structures and artefacts.

The main gateway, also in reinforced concrete leads to the stele pavilion and courtyard at the top of the steps.

Imposing tall pillars and statues representing court officials in attendance at the ‘Court of salutation’. Besides, these ‘mandarins’, there are also accompanying ‘bodyguards for the emperor’.

The octagonal pavilion made from reinforced concrete instead of stone houses the stele of the emperor. The walls are decorated with dragons and other imperial symbols.

Thien Dinh Palace is the main tomb area of the mausoleum complex. It consist of Khai Thanh Palace where the altar and burial chamber are situated and a number of other inter-connecting rooms.

The altar where incense and other offerings are made during prayers. Ancestor worship according to Confucianism teachings is practised in Vietnamese culture. Mosaic decorations cover the walls while the ceiling is hand-painted like those in churches but the content were of dragons and fleeting clouds symbolic of heaven in eastern mythology.

Inside the burial chamber, statue of Khai Dinh dressed in his imperial robes sitting on his throne. Beneath is where the body is buried. Every exposed surface in the chamber is covered with exquisite decorative details.

Traditional lantern of ancient design but illuminated by ‘modern’ electric power.

A showcase of early 20th century Vietnamese master craftsmanship. The fine picture of flowers, butterfly and other motif decorations were created from small pieces of ceramic from China. Coloured glass came from France.

A silver belt presented to Khai Dinh by the emperor of Ethopia.

Another statue of Khai Dinh. He was supposedly reputed for his punitive beheadings, high taxes, concubines and acquiescence to the French. He was the 12th emperor and father of last - Bao Dai. In contrast to his father’s grand mausoleum, the exiled Bao Dai was buried in a modest tomb in a public cemetery near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.