via VNA/Vietnam Plus, 10 October 2023: Vietnamese authorities have been working since October 2022 to repatriate a golden imperial seal from France that dates back to 1823. Through cultural diplomacy, legal documentation, and negotiations, the seal is expected to be returned to Vietnam by late October. The seal was initially set to be auctioned by Paris-based auction house Millon, but the auction was deferred following successful negotiations.
On October 19, 2022, Paris-based auction house Millon announced that it will auction 329 antiquities, including two dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945) – a golden seal made in 1823 under the reign of King Minh Mang (1820 – 1841) and a golden bowl made under the reign of King Khai Dinh (1917 – 1925).
On the basis of collected evidence, verification through Millon-published information and images, and comparison with some golden seals of the Nguyen Dynasty being kept at some Vietnamese museums and relic sites, the seal supposed to be auctioned is confirmed to be “Hoang de chi bao” (Treasure of The Emperor) cast in 1823 under the reign of King Minh Mang.
Source: Imperial seal of Nguyen Dynasty expected to be repatriated soon
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