The Hung King Bronze Base Chess Sets Bronze Chess of Design – A Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Through Each Piece
The Journey Born from a Deep Reflection
In the bottom of heart of artist Henry Lê Xuân Hưởng – founder of Henry Le Design – burned an unyielding desire: “How can I preserve and spread the soul of Vietnam’s cultural roots to the world?” As a passionate artist and collector, he had traveled across many lands, bringing back unique chess sets from around the globe, each embodying the cultural stories and histories of its origin. Yet, upon returning to his homeland – Vietnam, a country with thousands of years of history and a rich cultural heritage – he could not help but ponder: “Why is it that Vietnam, with so many precious cultural values, has yet to have a chess set that truly reflects its national identity?”
This profound reflection compelled him to embark on a journey both challenging and filled with passion: the creation of the Hùng Vương Chess Set – a masterpiece that is not merely a game of intellect, but also a symbol of Vietnam’s history, culture, and spirit. It is more than just a chess set; it is a work of art, a cultural legacy, and a story of national origins, vividly portrayed through each meticulously crafted piece, carrying within it the breath of the Hùng Kings era – the primordial age of the Vietnamese people.
The Cultural Depth Embodied in Every Chess Piece
The Hùng Vương Imperial Bronze Chess Set is not merely a collection of pieces on a board, but each one is a true work of art, a fragment of Vietnam’s history and culture. Every detail has been carefully researched from historical sources, combined with the creativity and dedication of artist Henry – Lê Xuân Hưởng, and then brought to life through the masterful hands of leading artisans. Each chess piece not only carries aesthetic value but also embodies profound stories, evoking memories of a glorious era of the nation.
Pawn – The Indomitable Spirit of the Lạc Việt
The Pawn is inspired by the image of the brave Lạc Việt warriors, the soldiers who stood alongside the Hùng Kings to build and defend the nation. With their signature topknot hairstyle, robust physique, and a sash draped across the shoulder, they embody strength, loyalty, and unity. Every detail of the piece portrays their valor, serving as a reminder of the silent sacrifices of our ancestors in protecting the homeland.
Rook – The Legacy of the Đông Sơn Bronze Drum
The Rook is a creative adaptation of the Đông Sơn bronze drum – a symbol of Vietnam’s ancient wet-rice civilization. Exquisite carvings of cranes, rice-threshing figures, and the radiant sun are engraved onto the body of the piece, evoking memories of a glorious era in national history. The Rook represents not only defensive power but also pride in the cultural heritage left by our forefathers.
Knight – The Legendary Iron Horse of Saint Gióng
Inspired by the Iron Horse of Saint Gióng, the Knight is crafted in the form of a majestic steed, adorned with iron straps and rivets carved with meticulous detail. This imagery recalls the legend of Saint Gióng, who rode the iron horse, breathed fire to repel foreign invaders, and ascended to the heavens – a timeless symbol of indomitable will and extraordinary strength of the Vietnamese people.
Bishop – The Majestic Lạc Generals
The Bishop draws inspiration from the Lạc Tướng – the valiant generals who aided the Hùng Kings in defending the land. Depicted with feathered helmets and cloaks draped over their shoulders, they exude a commanding and heroic presence. They symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and noble sacrifice, reflecting the age-old Vietnamese spirit of honor and righteousness.
Queen – The Regal Beauty of the Hùng Queens
The Queen represents the image of the Queen consort in the era of the Hùng Kings, embodying the power of women in Vietnam’s ancient matriarchal society. With aristocratic attire of pure Vietnamese style, and a gentle, compassionate expression, the Queen is not only a symbol of authority but also a reflection of traditional beauty and the virtuous essence of Vietnamese women.
King – The Sacred Symbol
The King is designed after the image of the Hùng King – the founding father of the Vietnamese people and the creator of the Văn Lang – Âu Lạc kingdom. With a feathered crown, garments adorned with crane motifs and the radiant sun of the bronze drum, the King represents supreme authority and stands as a sacred symbol in the consciousness of the Vietnamese people – the very source of cultural and spiritual values of the nation.
Exquisite Craftsmanship – The Mastery of Vietnamese Artisans
The Hùng Vương Chess Set is not only a cultural creation but also a testament to the talent and dedication of Vietnamese artisans. Each piece is entirely handcrafted, with meticulous precision down to the finest detail. The artisans devote hours, even days, to carving every line, ensuring that each chess piece is not only visually stunning but also infused with the soul of history and culture.
The materials chosen for the set are carefully selected: rare hardwoods with naturally beautiful grains, pristine natural stone, and premium metals refined with delicate artistry—all contributing to the durability and luxurious elegance of the product. Even the storage box is a work of art in itself, inspired by traditional Vietnamese stilt-house architecture or the intricate motifs of the Đông Sơn bronze drum, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, aesthetics and cultural value.
The Crafting Journey – A Fusion of Mastery and Cultural Soul
The creation process demands not only exceptional craftsmanship but also a profound understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture. The artisans work not merely with skill and diligence, but with their hearts, infusing each chess piece with national pride and reverence for their ancestors. It is this harmony of exquisite technique and heartfelt devotion that elevates the Hùng Vương Chess Set into a true masterpiece of art.
Uniqueness and Prestige – A Collectible Legacy
The Hùng Vương Chess Set is more than a game of intellect; it is a symbolic work of art, worthy of being collected and cherished. Through the seamless combination of cultural significance, historical depth, and masterful craftsmanship, the set embodies a unique beauty—unmistakable and unlike any other creation. It is a meaningful gift for those who cherish Vietnamese culture, for chess enthusiasts, and for anyone who values the enduring richness of art and history.
The set’s prestige lies not only in its premium materials or refined design but also in the message it conveys: national pride. Every piece, every detail, tells a story—an echo of origins and timeless Vietnamese values. The Hùng Vương Chess Set is not simply a decorative object or a game; it is a symbol of the Vietnamese spirit, a bridge between past and present, linking today’s generation with their forefathers from millennia ago.
The Dedication of Artist Henry Lê Xuân Hưởng – Telling Stories Through Art
Behind the Hùng Vương Chess Set lies a long journey of dedication by artist Henry Lê Xuân Hưởng. For him, the set is not just an artistic creation, but a mission: to retell the story of Vietnam’s origins and share national pride with the world. He has devoted years to studying history and culture, and worked closely with master artisans to gradually transform his vision into reality.
Each piece of the Hùng Vương Chess Set is a fragment of the greater tapestry of Vietnamese history that artist Hưởng wishes to convey. His vision was not merely to create a beautiful chess set, but to ensure that whoever holds a piece can feel the breath of their ancestors and a deep connection to their roots. For him, the Hùng Vương Chess Set is more than an artwork—it is a reminder of each individual’s responsibility to preserve and carry forward the nation’s cultural heritage.
A Connection to the Nation’s Roots
The Hùng Vương Bronze Chess Set is not simply a product, but a living story of origin, of the indomitable spirit and creativity of the Vietnamese people throughout thousands of years of history. Let this chess set become a bridge that connects you with traditional cultural values—a meaningful gift for those who honor history and cherish Vietnamese culture.
From Henry Le Chess
“The Hùng Vương Chess Set – where history and culture intertwine in every piece, is the perfect gift for those who wish to preserve and share national pride. Each chess piece is not only a work of art but also a reminder of our origins and the timeless values of the Vietnamese people.”
Materials and Craftsmanship – The Confluence of the Intangible and the Tangible
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