Art by the Royal Pillow Artisan of Emperor Bảo Đại
About The Artisan Who Crafted for The Emperor
For diners at Kim Long Dining, the origins of this special pillow may still be unfamiliar. Entirely handcrafted by the late artisan Công Tôn Nữ Trí Huệ – granddaughter of Hoài Đức Quận Công (Hoai Duc means Cherishing Virtue and Quan Cong being roughly equivalent to a Duke in Western nobility-Mr Nguyễn Phúc Miên Lâm (the 57th son of Emperor Minh Mạng) – she was a master craftswoman who specialized in creating this specific pillows used for tea rituals or to rest their heads, lean their backs, or support their arms while relaxing or reading, these pillows were commonly found in the royal court and thus came to be known as 'royal pillowsin the Imperial Court of Huế. It is said that her creations were especially favored by Emperor Bảo Đại and Empress Dowager Từ Cung, and were even commissioned by the Emperor as gifts for distinguished dignitaries.
Picture Below : Nguyen's Signature Pillow placed at Ancient Hue's Restaurant - Kim Long Dining
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On the meticulous, time-consuming process behind the product
Each pillow carried her meticulous dedication. To ensure the pillow was soft yet retained its shape without sinking, she sewed and re-sewed it with exceptional care. In her words: “A perfect pillow is one where the stitches are invisible.” As one of the few surviving pillows handcrafted by her own hands, it is not merely an object of comfort—it is a rare remnant of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty, a silent bearer of Huế’s enduring soul.
