The World Record was officially recognized with the title: “Thach Quang Nhung”: A bluestone building featuring the world’s largest collection of ceiling vaults depicting periods of Vietnamese history, complemented by a series of lacquer paintings illustrating the same theme.

The work reflects years of dedication by artisan and record holder Luong Van Quang, born in 1973 in Ninh Van, Ninh Binh Province, a traditional village known for its stone craftsmanship. As the initiator and designer, he worked directly with local artisans and stone craftsmen to develop the building, which was completed and put into use in 2020 in the Tam Coc area of Ninh Binh.

A Distinctive Expression of Ninh Van Stone Craftsmanship and a Unique Visual Narrative of History

The three-storey building occupies approximately 450 square meters and incorporates around 1,000 cubic meters of stone. The main material is Ninh Van bluestone, complemented by white stone from several regions of Vietnam. The building stands within a larger complex of approximately 3,000 square meters and reaches about 27 meters in height.

“Thach Quang Nhung” - a masterpiece of stone in Ninh Binh, Vietnam (Photo: Internet)

Its architecture reflects the craftsmanship of Ninh Van's traditional stone-working community. Large stone components, including columns, beams and structural elements, were carefully shaped and assembled using traditional techniques. Curved stone beams and other architectural details also incorporate elements inspired by classical European architecture, creating an interplay between European architectural forms and Vietnamese decorative and cultural motifs. The architectural centerpiece of “Thach Quang Nhung” is a system of nine ceiling vaults, each approximately 4 meters in diameter. Each vault is decorated with motifs and patterns representing different periods and themes in Vietnamese history and culture.

The nine ceiling vaults chronicle the history of Vietnam (Photo: Vietkings)

The subjects span major historical periods, from the Dong Son culture and the period of Northern domination to the Dinh - Early Le, Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties, alongside legendary figures and stories associated with the nation's origins, including Lac Long Quan and Au Co. Rather than functioning solely as architectural decoration, the vaults form a chronological visual narrative. Through patterns, compositions and traditional imagery, each space presents a different chapter of Vietnam's historical journey. The historical theme continues inside the building through a collection of 39 lacquer paintings. These artworks are presented alongside large-scale stone reliefs installed around the exterior, creating a visual connection between painting, sculpture and architecture.

The unique series of lacquer paintings offers a distinctive depiction of Vietnam’s history and cultural heritage (Photo:Vietkings)

The artistic project associated with the building has involved artists including Vu Xuan Dong, Ly Truc Son and sculptor Dao Chau Hai. Together, the stone reliefs, ceiling vaults and lacquer paintings create a unified artistic language centered on Vietnamese history and culture. The combination gives the building a distinctive character: the solidity of stone provides the architectural foundation, while lacquer painting and carved reliefs add layers of color, imagery and historical interpretation.

A World Record recognizing a unique cultural and artistic work

The World Record was officially presented to Mr. Luong Van Quang at the 55th Meeting of Record Holders on September 26, 2026, recognizing the distinctive scale and combination of elements within “Thach Quang Nhung.”

Dr.Thang Van Phuc – Member of the WorldKings Council and Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury - Chairman of the World Record Union, presented the record certificate, medal and trophy to artisan Luong Van Quang. (Photo: VietKings)

Previously, in 2022, the Vietnam Records Organization recognized the building for its three-storey stone structure featuring nine circular vaults decorated with distinctive motifs and patterns representing periods of Vietnamese history and culture. With “Thach Quang Nhung,” the significance of the work extends beyond its volume of stone or architectural scale. Its distinctive value lies in the way traditional Ninh Van stone craftsmanship is combined with architecture, sculpture, and lacquer painting to create a visual narrative of Vietnamese history. The World Record adds an international milestone to Record holder Luong Van Quang's long-term creative work, while also highlighting the craftsmanship of Ninh Van and providing another platform through which Vietnam's historical and cultural heritage can be introduced to a wider audience.