Khai Dinh (1885-1925) ruled for only 9 years, from 1916 to 1925; however his tomb was constructed over was 11 years, from 1920 to 1931. The tomb was Louis XIV-worthy of pomp and circumstance. The emperor, a Francophile viewed largely as a French puppet, designed an elaborate and stunning (all definitions for stunning to be applied) funeral complex that mixed Vietnamese and European aesthetics. His sarcophagus was a grand, enameled and gilded design that was constructed in France and drew upon Roccoco influences.
The complex is situated along the river like most tombs, but very well chosen for its particular design, which imparts gravitas in the steep and vertigo inducing ascent. The entrance courtyard has a European Gothic feel due to the use of black concrete and iron in place of traditional wood. The contrast between the dark architecture and the green hillside is dramatic.
The monochromatic exterior abruptly reveals a surprising interior. Upon entering the tomb itself, you are almost blinded by the explosion of extraordinarily ornate, colorful, ceramic mosaics covering the walls and columns. Situated upon Khai Dinh's elaborate sarcophagus is a gilded life-size sculpture of the emperor wearing his royal robes.
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