The Significance of the Saigon Ceramic Statue Set of the Three Great Emperor-Officials in the Lives of Local Residents

This paper examines the ceramic statue set of the Three Great Emperor-Officials (Tam Quan Đại Đế), an antique ensemble of nine statues dating from the early 20th century, produced by the Bửu Nguyên kiln in Đề Ngạn (Saigon). Through artefact analysis, iconographic interpretation, and interdisciplinary methods, the study deciphers the cultural and historical values embodied in the set, from the Han-script inscriptions “堤岸埠” (Đề Ngạn Phụ – De Ngan Port) and “寶源造” (Bửu Nguyên Tạo – Made by Buu Nguyen) to the distinctive ceramic glazing techniques. The paper highlights two dimensions of significance: first, the set as an example of industrial heritage (a ceramic art form), and second, as a symbolic object of belief. The findings suggest that the statues vividly materialise the doctrine of the “celestial bureaucracy,” directly addressing communal needs for “granting blessings, pardoning sins, and praying for health.” Moreover, the set stands as a quintessential testament to the cultural identity of Saigon - Southern Vietnam, characterised by profound religious syncretism (Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) and a dynamic process of creative indigenisation. Ultimately, the study clarifies the close interconnection between Saigon’s ceramic technology and the belief-driven practices of the Southern Vietnam community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.