Rare royal bestowal documents found in Hà Tĩnh

December 15, 2016 - 17:00

Authorities of Hà Tĩnh Museum have found two bestowal documents issued by a late emperor of Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945) in the ruins of an old temple in the central province.

One of the two royal bestowal documents found in Hà Tĩnh. — Photo courtesy of Hà Tĩnh Museum
Viet Nam News

HÀ TĨNH — Authorities of Hà Tĩnh Museum have found two bestowal documents issued by a late emperor of Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945) in the ruins of an old temple in the central province.

Lê Bá Hạnh, the museum’s deputy director, said the documents were in praise of  Lord Trần, or Supreme Commander Trần Quốc Tuấn, of Trần Dynasty (1226-1400) and were stored in a temple that worshipped him in Cổ Đạm Commune

The Nguyễn Dynasty’s 12th king Khải Định issue the documents, one during the second year of his reign, in 1917, and the other in the ninth year, 1924.

The documents were found in good condition on yellow coloured paper, with decorated patterns of dragons, phoenixes, clouds, waves, and Hán characters, Hạnh said.

The documents are inked with the royal seal as well. They were issued in praise of Trần, reminding local residents of his contributions to the country, and approved an annual royal imbursement to take care of the temple.

The temple is in ruins and locals and authorities are mobilising funds to restore it.

Earlier, the museum staff had found four bestowal documents issued by Nguyễn emperors in the province. — VNS

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