(VOVworld) – An exhibition featuring trade relations between Vietnam and Japan opened in the ancient capital of Hue on Monday.

Japanese Imari pattern porcelain ornamental jar of the 18th century. (Photo: tintuc.hues.vn)

The free-admission exhibition which will run until May is to celebrate the Japanese Emperor and Empress’ visit to Vietnam and introduces antiquities reflecting the close trade relations between Japan and Vietnam in the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

On display are some official documents exchanged between the Nguyen Lords and the Japanese authorities in the early 17th century, contracts between Japanese and Vietnamese merchants, and copies of three paintings reflecting the two countries’ close trade relations.

Japanese bronze mirrors. (Photo: tintuc.hues.vn)

Phan Thanh Hai, the Director of the Hue Relic Conservation Centre, said: “The exhibition is a collection of antiquities and valuable materials proving relations between Vietnam and Japan, which was established and flourished from the late 16th century. The exhibition introduces famous pottery and ceramic items from Japan and a collection of Japanese bronze mirrors from the 17th and 18th centuries, among other artifacts. Also on display are Vietnamese items that were favored by Japanese traders.”