via UNESCO, 24 January 2024: The Golden Seal of Minh Mang, a revered emblem of Vietnam’s rich heritage, has been successfully repatriated to Vietnam on November 18th, 2023, following collaborative efforts between the Vietnamese and French governments, along with key cultural and diplomatic entities. This restitution not only marks a significant achievement in cultural property protection but also symbolizes Vietnam’s historical journey from monarchy to modern republic, reinforcing the seal’s immense national and historical significance.
One year after the Golden Seal of Minh Mang Dynasty, Emperor’s Treasure, appeared in public, on November 18th 2023 (local time), it has arrived in its home country, Viet Nam. The return of the Golden Seal has been possible thanks to the concerted efforts of the Governments of Viet Nam and France with the proactive participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of the two countries, as well as the Viet Nam Embassy in France and the Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to UNESCO. The Secretariat of the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property supported the first steps of returning this cultural property.
Source: Return of the Golden Seal of Minh Mang Dynasty to Viet Nam | UNESCO
