Almost 2,000 works by more than 1,000 poets, represented in calligraphic form for the first time, are being exhibited in Ho Chi Minh City from February 4-10 to mark Vietnam’s Poetry Day.

The poems, carved onto various mediums, including earthenware, precious stones and statues of celebrities, include works by famous poets, such as Xuan Dieu and The Lu, as well as 200 young poets.

Superior Bonze Thich Nhuan Tam, head of the organising board, said that the event, co-sponsored by the Van Hanh Zen Seminary, La (Leaf) Pagoda and the Mekong Arts, aims to encourage young poets to pick up their pens and increase their contributions to the nation’s literature.