Royal edict on wood block sent to Ha Noi

One of a set of Nguyen dynasty wood blocks bearing Chieu doi do (Royal Edict on the Transfer of the Capital) was returned to Ha Noi on Friday.
Scientists at the National Archives Centre (NAC) IV in Da Lat discovered the priceless artefact while researching other inscribed wood blocks that were awarded Memory of the World status by UNESCO last June.
"The inscribed wood blocks relate to all fields of Vietnamese society during the time of Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). The inscriptions were in ancient Han Chinese," said Pham Thi Hue, director of NAC IV.
The blocks were used for printing.
The wood block relating to capital, which measures 20 by 29.5cm, contains the complete 214-character royal edict of King Ly Thai To in 1010. The actual age of the wood block has yet to be determined, but scientists said it was the oldest ever found.
"The set of wood blocks is now in the special care at NAC IV. They are not only of historical importance but are works of art in themselves, and demonstrate the brilliant craftsmanship of the artisans of the time."
Nguyen The Thao, chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee, received the latest wood block on Friday.
"The city has devised a plan to preserve and display the piece to promote the culture and history of the royal edict and the Nguyen dynasty to the world," Thao said.