Three out of ten artifact groups in the central city of Hue have beenlisted for recognition as national treasures, including nine sacredcannons, nine urns and a great bell, said an official on Feb. 7.

According to the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) history, the nine cannonswere cast in Hue by soldiers from February 1803 to January 1804.After being enthroned, King Gia Long ordered the confiscation of bronzeweapons from the previous reign, in order to cast the cannons as eternalsouvenirs.

They were named after the four seasons and fiveelements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth, according to Easternphilosophy, and were placed at The Nhon and Quang Duc gates in Hueimperial city in the early 20 th century.

Outstanding symbolsof the country’s immortal reign and wealth, the nine urns were cast inlate 1835 and completed in early 1837. The tallest urn is 2.5 metrestall and 2,600 kg in weight. The smallest is 2.31 metres high and weighsmore than 1,900 kg.

Considered the most valuable bronzeworks in Vietnam , the urns were carved with 153 patterns, usingimages such as mountains, rivers, moon, stars, trees, animals, weapons,vehicles and ships.

Meanwhile, the great bell of Thien Mupagoda was engraved with dragon and phoenix patterns and became atreasure of Thuan Hoa Buddhism.

The 2.5 metre-high bell weighsabout 2,000 kg and was cast during the rule of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu in1710 for worshipping at a national pagoda./.