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| Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, receiving a collection of rare books belonging to Emperor Ham Nghi donated by Dr. Amandine Dabat |
Artifacts bearing the “soul of the homeland”
At the event in Hue where the book “Ham Nghi – the Exiled Emperor, Artist in Algeria” was launched, the precious memorabilia of Emperor Ham Nghi were presented to Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.
Dr. Amandine Dabat, the fifth-generation descendant of Emperor Ham Nghi, along with her family, donated items closely associated with the emperor’s life. Among these was a wooden tray inlaid with mother-of-pearl, brought from Vietnam, which he kept by his side as a cherished reminder of his homeland. The donation also included a collection of Chinese-script books: Ngu che canh chuc do (Royal Composition of Occupational Divisions) (2 volumes), Dan do huyen chi (Chronicle of the Districts) (26 volumes), and Tang dinh thi kinh the chi dien nghia (Supplemented and Revised Book of Songs with Explanations on Form and Interpretations) (5 volumes). According to Dr. Amandine Dabat, these invaluable artifacts were carefully preserved by Princess Nhu Mai, Emperor Ham Nghi’s eldest daughter, in memory of her father.
The “Ivory Chopsticks of the Royal Court,” entrusted by Empress Dowager Tu Du to Madam Phan Thi Hoa for her use during meals (from the Can Vuong period, 1885–1889), and the “Porcelain Steaming Bowls,” items used by Emperor Ham Nghi’s family, were also donated by his descendants to the museum on this occasion. These artifacts not only hold cultural and historical significance but also serve as valuable pieces in the journey of understanding a profoundly introspective emperor – an exiled monarch filled with longing and nostalgia for his homeland, embodying the spirit and culture of Vietnam.
Mr. Ngo Van Minh, Director of Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, expressed: “These are priceless gifts that reflect the respect and reverence of Emperor Ham Nghi’s family and descendants as they repatriate his artifacts. They also enrich the exhibit space ‘Emperor Ham Nghi: Life and Art’ at the museum.”
The gown and its historical story
Nhat Binh, the ceremonial gown of Empress Nam Phuong, was purchased and donated to Hue Monuments Conservation Center by Mrs. Phan Thuy Khanh and her son, Mr. Tran Phan Anh, descendants of Hue origin currently living in Hanoi.
This “treasure embodying the cultural soul of the Nguyen Dynasty” was gifted during the ceremony to receive UNESCO Documentary Heritage Recognition Certificate for “The bas-reliefs on the Nine Dynastic Urns in Hue Imperial Citadel”. The ceremonial gown was previously part of the collection of Linda Wrigglesworth, a world-renowned expert in antique clothing. The gown is not merely a precious artifact but also a bridge to the legacy of a historical figure of intellect and virtue – Empress Nam Phuong, the last woman to hold the title of empress in the Nguyen Dynasty and in Vietnam’s history.
According to the donors, the gown was carefully preserved by Empress Nam Phuong during the time she and her children lived far from their homeland in France, as a way to keep a part of Vietnam’s soul and a sacred memory of the nation.
For those who had the chance to admire the Nhat Binh gown displayed with great honor in front of Thai Hoa Palace that day, the experience was likely to be deeply touching – a poignant connection to the golden memories of a bygone dynasty. Every embroidered thread and motif on the gown tells a historical story, embodying profound love and dedication. “This gift is not just an artifact but also a bridge connecting younger generations to the history of our country,” shared a representative of the donors.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, believed: “The Nhat Binh gown of Empress Nam Phuong enriches the center’s collection of artifacts and provides valuable historical and cultural information about the Nguyen Dynasty. It will satisfy researching and educational purposes as well as the public’s desire to appreciate this heritage.”
Passing the story to future generations
The journey of acquiring and donating the Nhat Binh gown of Empress Nam Phuong is a remarkable one. However, Mr. Tran Phan Anh’s family has chosen a modest way to recount their contribution: “Being able to play a small part in preserving historical and cultural values is a great fortune for us.” Such humility only amplifies the noble spirit of the family’s dedication to the heritage of the Ancient Capital. Their donation was not motivated by fame but by a profound sense of responsibility to safeguard timeless values.
The story of the Nhat Bình gown is not the only case. In the past, Hue has received many precious artifacts, antiquities, and historical documents thanks to the generosity of benefactors from both Vietnam and abroad.
Specifically, Mr. Tran Dinh Son, an antique researcher and collector, has donated many valuable artifacts of Nguyen Dynasty. Also, Mr. Jean Dabat has gifted the painting “Lake on the Alps” created by Emperor Ham Nghi in France to the museum. Besides, collectors Nguyen Huu Hoang, Mai Ba Thien, Pham Hy Tung, and Doan Phuoc Thuan have also contributed rare artifacts to Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. Behind each donation lies a shared aspiration to “return” cultural values to their homeland.
Another notable case is the story behind the bonnet of a high-ranking mandarin and the Nhat Binh gown of a concubine in Nguyen Dynasty. These artifacts were successfully acquired at an international auction by Sunshine Group and repatriated to Vietnam. The group then donated them to the Ancient Capital, expressing their wish “to entrust these treasures to Hue for safekeeping and preservation, so future generations of Vietnam can admire and take pride in their history.” As Sunshine Group leaders said during the handover, “Each artifact that is returned not only enriches the national heritage but also ‘illuminates’ the pride of our nation.”
According to Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, the Nguyen Dynasty, which lasted for 143 years, left an incredibly rich cultural heritage. However, war and the upheavals of history caused many priceless artifacts to be lost. The efforts of individuals and organizations to locate, preserve, and repatriate these artifacts are actions of immense value.
“Heritage donation heritage is not merely returning an artifact to its rightful place; it is a way for individuals to express patriotism and take responsibility for preserving culture - a responsibility to both the past and the future of the nation,” stated Mr. Trung. These actions serve as a reminder to all Vietnamese people of the importance of protecting and promoting their heritages, in order to ensure that the stories of yesterday continue to be told for generations to come.