Today in Hue I visited the tombs of the emperor's of the last Vietnamese Dynasty.
These places of rest are beautifully landscaped parks with expansive views of the countryside around. Ornate buildings and engraved Steles mark the tomb. However, at least in one case, the body and the treasure that is supposedly buried with the king were never found! Oftentimes the masons and carpenters and ditch diggers, etc. are killed to keep the exact place of burial a secret.
What I like about Vietnamese architecture is the use of mosaics made from broken shards of pottery.
Scales of a dragon are blue and white china with pastoral scenes. Tombs and temples alike are decorated with mismatched shards and colorful glass. Often the eyes of the large cement animal protectors are glass balls of green or blue.
This special touch really adds a unique feel to Vietnamese work that is not found in China.
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