Nguyen Dynasty royal decrees are valuable documentary heritage not only to Vietnam but also to the world. Royal royal decrees are not only a regular form of the administrative document; they are also incredible sources for the study of Vietnamese history. More specially, Nguyen Dynasty royal decrees preserve the ten Nguyen emperors’ writings. These are the only documents in Vietnam and also the few in the world that store the kings’ writings concerning all matters of the country. That is why the Nguyen Dynasty royal decrees were recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage.
Aside from reflecting the powerful role of the head of the country concerning national matters, the royal decrees embody marvelous artistic value as calligraphy work. Although not intentionally written in calligraphy style, the comments by Nguyen emperors on the royal decrees partly show exceptional calligraphy skills with a truly high aesthetic level. These writings show the uniqueness of administrative documents with artistic values.
Nguyen Dynasty royal decrees were mainly handwritten on paper in Chinese and Nom scripts. Comments in ink by ten Nguyen emperors are preserved so far. Nguyen emperors commented on the decrees directly using a variety of forms: words, dots, rounds, commas, crossings, and corrections.
Comments on Nguyen Dynasty royal decrees not only contain extraordinary artistic values but also display the powerful role of the head of the country with different emperors giving different views on national matters. When the Nguyen Dynasty was an independent dynasty (1802-1884), the contents of the royal decrees reflected the will and power of the head over all matters of the nation.
With over 100 royal decrees, exhibition “Calligraphy work by Nguyen emperors” bring to the public and calligraphy enthusiasts the most unique and quintessential features of Nguyen emperors’ writings. The organizers hope to bring new perspectives on a kind of administrative documents that are regarded also as works of art of the ancient culture.
Exhibition “Calligraphy work by Nguyen emperors” will be open to the public in Vietnam National Archives Center No. 1 on No. 5, Vu Pham Ham, Cau Giay, Hanoi throughout 2020.
Hong Dien