The Dong Xam Temple is situated in Hong Thai Commune, Kien Xuong District, Thai Binh Province. The temple covers an area of 1,000m2, dedicated to Nguyen Kim Lau – the founder of silver engraving work It consists of a number of the magnificent and beautiful architecture works such as Vong Lau, Thuy Toa, Hoanh Ma, worshipping yard, Front House… Vong Lau is a house used for viewing the landscape.
Thuy Toa is a hexagonal house comprising 6 curve doors, which turn to different directions. From this house, tourists can view the whole scene of the worshipping yard and the boat races on the river when Festivals are held.
The Font House of the temple is a great temple with the height of 13m and consists of 5 large partitions. It is the large size and magnificent architecture that make it different from others.
The Back House of the temple is structured into two linked parts: a 5-partition temple and a Kham partition (to place the statutes in). The front of the back house is harmoniously decorated with big Chinese words, the parallel sentences, letter scrolls and carved wooden gates.
Kham partition in the back house is considered as a masterpiece of the traditional occupation village. It is covered with the sheets of copper carved with such subjects as four animals (dragon, unicorn, tortoise, and phoenix), four plants (pine, apricot, chrysanthemum, and bamboo), etc. The statues of King Trieu Vu and Queen Trinh Thi placed in Kham partition are casted in copper and gilded.
In conclusion, both the architecture and things remained in Dong Xam Temple create a great collection of carved wooden, stone, metal articles in Vietnam from Nguyen Dynasty.