Definition

1. Noun:
   • Brocade horse: A traditional decorative motif in Vietnamese art and embroidery, depicting a horse adorned with or surrounded by brocade patterns. It symbolizes elegance, nobility, and prosperity.
   • Brocade and horse: A term referring to ornate, formal attire (robes and garments made of brocade) and trappings associated with high status, often in historical or ceremonial contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tranh thêu hình mã gấm rất tinh xảo. (The embroidery picture of a brocade horse is very intricate.)
  • Trong lễ cưới xưa, chú rể mặc áo mã gấm. (In traditional weddings, the groom wore brocade ceremonial robes.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "mã gấm" is often used in literary and artistic contexts to evoke imagery of classical beauty, aristocratic life, or luxurious material from Vietnam's feudal past.
  • Thơ ca thường nhắc đến hình ảnh mã gấm để chỉ sự phồn hoa. (Poetry often mentions the image of the brocade horse to indicate prosperity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gấm (n): brocade; a rich, woven fabric with a raised pattern.
  • Tấm vải gấm lấp lánh. (The piece of brocade fabric shimmers.)
• Mã (n): horse; also used in compound words related to appearance or code (e.g., - code number).

Synonyms

• Ornate horse motif: A decorative design of a horse with elaborate patterns.
• Ceremonial brocade: Formal clothing made from rich, decorated fabric.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• *Ngựa xe như nước, áo quần như nêm (a related classical image):* Carriages and horses flow like water, garments are packed tight; describing a scene of crowded luxury and many well-dressed people. This evokes a similar world of opulence as "mã gấm".
  • Cảnh phố xá đông vui, ngựa xe như nước, áo quần như nêm. (The street scene was bustling, with carriages flowing like water and people packed in fine clothes.)