Hòn non bộ

Hòn non bộ (chữ Nôm: 𡉕𡽫部) is the Vietnamese art of making miniature landscapes, imitating the scenery of the islands, mountains and surrounding environment as found in nature.

Throughout Vietnamese history, Hòn non bộ have been built for emperors, generals, and other important people as monuments, decorations, personal vistas, and as cultural icons.

[6] In 1406, the Chinese Ming dynasty king ordered his army to invade Vietnam and confiscate all things related to that culture, such as books and art objects, and bring them back to China.

Mini-scenes and miniature landscapes made during this period used Cycas revoluta (sago palms) on the birthdays of kings, lords, and elderly high-class people.

[7] The scholar Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm (aka Trang Trình, 1491–1585) was said to have used a Hòn non bộ to provide guidance while predicting the fate or destiny of others.

[8] Hòn non bộ, as well as miniature plants and rocks, are mentioned in Đoạn Trường Tân Thanh, a thousand-page book by Nguyễn Du (1766–1820).