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 The exhibition introduces a collection of rare books and documents

In the display space at Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, the exhibition introduces 11 ancient books, including "Ngự chế minh văn cổ khí đồ", "Tự Đức thánh chế tự học giải nghĩa ca" (volume 7), "Tự Đức thánh chế thi tam tập" (with the general index, volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10), "Đại Nam thực lục chính biên đệ tứ kỷ" (volume 69), "Giao tự đại lễ", "Nghi thức thuyết giới Bồ tát tại gia", "Điền tô sai dư thuế lệ", "truyện thơ Nôm Phan Trần", "Chinh Phụ Ngâm" and a collection of photos about the scenery and people of Vietnam in the early 20th century.

All 12 artifacts were collected and donated to Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities by Mr. Hoang Viet Trung in 2021.

"Ngự chế minh văn cổ khí đồ" is a collection of 33 written teachings by Emperor Minh Mang. The content is the emperor’s teachings on respecting the heavens and ancestral worship, following the example of hardworking predecessors, loving and teaching the people... These 33 writings are engraved on 33 antique objects made in 1838.

Although "Ngự chế minh văn cổ khí đồ" exists as a printed book, it is a rare ancient book that still exists. Currently, two copies are known to exist: one is kept in the Paris Library in France and the other is in the Han-Nom Research Institute Library in Vietnam. Therefore, the ancient book "Ngự chế minh văn cổ khí đồ" donated and displayed at the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities is the third known copy.

In addition to introducing the 11 rare ancient books that have just been donated, Hue Monuments Conservation Center and the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities also organize exhibitions of artifacts received from individuals and organizations since 2008, including ancient books, documents, and certificates from the Nguyen dynasty that were donated.

On this occasion, some individuals also donated books to Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. Dr. Tran Duc Anh Son donated a set of 6-volume Chinese dictionary and a book called "Tường đính Cổ văn bình chú", while Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Vinh Huot donated 7 certificates and documents.

Some images from the exhibition captured by Thua Thien Hue Online:

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 Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, introduced the value of precious books
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 The ancient book "Ngự chế minh văn cổ khí đồ" was donated and displayed at Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, which is the third known copy
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 In addition to artifacts, ancient books also enrich the exhibition space of Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.
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 The photo book of the landscape and people of Vietnam in the early 20th century contains many precious materials about the Nguyen Dynasty's imperial architecture. Among them, the photos of Co Ha garden are a scientific basis for future restoration work.
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The exhibition also introduces bronze books in the Nguyen Dynasty 
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 The bronze peak collected by the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities
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 The exhibition of ancient books also attracts the attention of students...
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 ...and foreigners
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 Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Vinh Huot donated a collection of documents to Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities
Story and photos: MINH HIEN