Exhibition reveals calligraphic art in kings’ writings

An exhibition of handwritten notes penned by Nguyen Dynasty Kings (1802-1945) on chau ban (official administrative papers) is ongoing in Hanoi.

The exhibition is titled Calligraphy of Nguyen Dynasty’s Kings and opened last week to celebrate the Vietnam Archives Day (January 3). Besides the original documents, the exhibition also offers translations and explanations in Vietnamese and English.

“The spring comes bringing good fortune, I am happy to see reports of favourable weather. Clasping my hands, I pray for a bumper crop across the whole country,” King Minh Menh (1791-1841) noted in a report in 1826.

It’s one of 100 notes signed by the 10 kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, providing viewers a better understanding of literary and calligraphic styles back then, and the thoughts and opinions of the kings about specific issues such as appointing mandarins, using the national budget, organising exams and punishing criminals.

The writing of King Minh Menh (1791-1841) is one among 100 calligraphic works displayed at the exhibition. (Source: vietnamnet.vn)
The writing of King Minh Menh (1791-1841) is one among 100 calligraphic works displayed at the exhibition. (Source: vietnamnet.vn)

They were selected from 85,000 documents including laws, decrees, edicts and instructions for resolving problems in various fields such as politics, military affairs, foreign affairs, economics, society and culture, all listed in the Asian-Pacific Region’s Memory of the World Programme in 2014.

The exhibits also provide a reference to administrative documents of the past while revealing interesting facts about the country’s social life from the early 19th to the mid-20th centuries.

Historian Duong Trung Quoc said the exhibition provided an opportunity to learn more about history and contemplate the handwritten notes of the kings and their seals on do (poohnah) paper.

“Chau ban are unique thanks to the information they contain and the fact they were written by the kings themselves,” said Quoc.

“The kings used chau so (a strike) to cross out words they disagreed and chau khuyen (a circle) to express their approval for specific points. In some cases, they wrote in red ink to give directions or comments, which are called chau phe.”

“Although it was not their intention, their writings are beautiful and express the aesthetic sense and skills of the country’s leaders,” said Quoc.

Nguyen Tuan Cuong from the Institute of Sino-Nom Studies said the value of the exhibits went beyond simple administrative documents because the exhibition had attracted both history and calligraphy lovers.

“They are artistic calligraphic works indeed with strong strikes and a bright and balanced structure,” he said.

Hosted by the State Records and Archives Department, the exhibition is open to the public for free at the National Archives Centre No1, 5 Vu Pham Ham street, Cau Giay district, Hanoi until the end of April.

VNA

Other News

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Technology is similarly enriching exhibitions at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Wartime letters, a typewriter and other artefacts linked to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh have been digitally integrated with collections held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Through projection mapping, 3D displays and a virtual reality recreation of the Paris Peace Agreement, visitors can engage more deeply with the life and achievements of one of Vietnam’s most prominent diplomats.

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, called on Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers to continue serving society with mindfulness and compassion, uphold the noble traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, and spread the light of kindness to foster a better life for all.

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

In recent years, many localities across the Dong Van Karst Plateau have strengthened efforts to integrate traditional culture preservation into schools. "Khen" performances, linen weaving, folk songs and traditional games are gradually becoming more familiar once again to younger generations.

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said: “We are thrilled to support this musical collaboration between Australia’s Matthew Ifield and Vietnam’s Mỹ Anh. Creative connections and exchange between young people in Australia and Vietnam will help build cultural understanding between our nations”.

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

Vietnamese Buddhism has consistently upheld the spirit of “protecting the nation and serving the people” while accompanying the nation in promoting social ethics, strengthening great national unity, and advancing national development.

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

According to Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, travellers are becoming more selective when choosing accommodation, prioritising properties with strong reviews, quality amenities and distinctive dining options. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on the overall travel experience, alongside peer-based quality assurance.

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

With its majestic landscapes, rich ethnic cultures and immersive tourism experiences, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Old Town of Lijiang are becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers, while also contributing to stronger tourism and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province.

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

The increase in flights from Russia, the CIS and Belarus to Da Nang not only helps diversify the city’s international visitor markets but also reflects growing confidence among international travel companies in Da Nang’s attractiveness and tourism capacity.

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

The Command Cave tour offers domestic and international visitors an opportunity to explore the values of the World Natural Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang while commemorating the victories and sacrifices of forces operating along the Truong Son route.

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

The representative of the Vietnam Cinema Association stated that in the context of today’s fourth Industrial Revolution, the requirement to respect and ensure historical authenticity through cinema has become more important than ever, as digital platforms and cyberspace have enabled the widespread dissemination of cross-border media products.

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

PSNews - "We have always affirmed that the greatest strength lies in the people, and the greatest creativity also comes from the people. When millions of positive stories are shared and spread simultaneously, we are not only promoting the image of our country, but also helping to strengthen social trust, enhance consensus, elevate national prestige, and proactively counter false and distorted information about Vietnam in the international arena", said Trinh Thi Thuy - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the Organizing Committee of the award.