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| Delegates and visitors touring the exhibition “Tales from ancient pages” |
Sediments of history in ancient books
Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, noted that Nguyen-era literary works represent a vast repository of documentary heritage, reflecting many facets of society - from politics and culture to arts and education. The value of these materials lies not only in their content but also in their form, materials, and craftsmanship, which reflect the technical skill and aesthetics of the period.
Among the highlights are the appointment edicts. As for Dr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, under the Nguyen Dynasty, the system of royal appointments was clearly stratified. Those granted the highest titles received gold books or silver books, followed by silk books and paper books.
A little-known story is revealed through these very artifacts: following the Nham Tuat Treaty in 1862, the court of Emperor Tu Duc was forced to pay war reparations to France and Spain. At that time, the court recalled the gold and silver books previously bestowed upon royal family members and melted them down into silver currency for payment. From this exceptional circumstance arose a category of bronze books, which fell outside the standard appointment regulations.
At the exhibition, visitors can see firsthand a bronze book upgraded in the 23rd year of Tu Duc’s reign (1870), relating to the ennoblement of Imperial Concubine Nguyen Luong Thi. This artifact carries not only material value but also reflects a particularly turbulent period in history.
Also drawing attention is the book “Techniques of the Annamites”, produced by French scholar Henri Oger between 1908 and 1909. This work is a kind of “pictorial encyclopedia,” vividly documenting the livelihoods, occupations, and production techniques of Vietnamese people in the early 20th century.
As for Mr. Hải Trung, Henri Oger collaborated with Confucian scholars and folk artists to carry out a large-scale survey, recording everything from festivals and traditional crafts to everyday life. The book was woodblock-printed in very limited quantities - only around 60 copies - and only a handful are known to survive worldwide.
What makes it especially remarkable is that each print differs slightly due to handcraft techniques, making every copy a unique version. The copy on display in Hue is considered one of the few remaining original editions.
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| "Thanh che thi" - A collection of poems by Emperor Minh Mang |
Letting ancient books “tell stories of those of the past”
Many of the ancient books on display also bear deeply personal and humanistic significance.
One of the most moving artifacts is “Tu Huan Luc” - a four-volume work handwritten by Emperor Tu Duc himself, recording 225 teachings of Empress Dowager Tu Du. These teachings cover governance, family conduct, and the virtues of being a good person.
According to researchers, on even-numbered days, Emperor Tu Duc would visit Dien Tho Palace to pay respects to his mother. There, Empress Dowager Tu Du would often impart words of wisdom, which the Emperor carefully transcribed into a book.
“This is a truly remarkable work, clearly reflecting the filial piety of a sovereign,” remarked Mr. Hai Trung. The fact that the Emperor maintained this practice amid the demands of court life reveals a dimension that is both deeply personal and profound.
“Tu Huan Luc” is currently being nominated for recognition as a National Treasure.
Another noteworthy ancient book is “Ngu che minh van co khi do” - a volume recording 33 inscriptions alongside illustrations of antique vessels cast during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. The content describes these objects and reflects the Emperor’s philosophy and viewpoints on culture and power.
According to the organizers, very few original copies of this book exist in Vietnam, and the one on display is considered among the rarest.
In addition, many imperially composed works - such as “Ngu che Viet su pham vinh tap”, “Tu Duc thanh che tu hoc giai nghia ca”, and various volumes of “Thanh che thi” further illuminate the intellectual and spiritual life of the Nguyen emperors. Notably, “Tu Duc thanh che tu hoc giai nghia ca” was compiled to teach Chinese characters through Nom script in the six-eight poetic form, demonstrating the flexible educational methods of the era.
Another unique one-of-a-kind artifact is “Giao tư dai le” - a handwritten manuscript by the Ministry of Rites detailing the procedures for organizing the Nam Giao sacrifice ceremony. Everything from the placement of offerings and the order of rituals to the arrangement of altar tables is meticulously prescribed. This book served as a kind of “official manual” to ensure the ceremony was performed with precision.
The exhibition also features three books that accompanied Emperor Ham Nghi during his exile in Algiers - personal keepsakes tied to a defining chapter in history. These books were later donated to Hue by his descendants.