We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

[Edict to recognise Deity of Uai Dung]

1888

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Cultural origin
    Imperial edict
    Period
    Nguyen dynasty 1802 - 1945 → Vietnam
    Date
    1888
    Media categories
    Manuscripts , Calligraphy
    Materials used
    calligraphy over block-printed design of silver dragon on yellow handmade paper
    Dimensions
    50.5 x 128.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Dated in Chinese calligraphy, standard script, black ink " [ ... 18th November, the first year of Thanh Thai [1888]]".

    Credit
    Gift of Andrew and Ann Proctor 2001
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    26.2001
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share
  • About

    This Imperial edict dates from the Nguyen dynasty when the capital of Vietnam was in Hue. The Emperors of this dynasty admired the Chinese and such edicts were generally written by court officials, 'nho', who had passed the Confucian system of examinations. (This examinations system existed in Vietnam from 1075 (in the Tran dynasty) until 1919.

    This edict is written in Chinese calligraphy, standard script on handmade, yellow paper which according to French reports, could only be used by the sovereign. Such edicts were given to temple to grant additional titles to the local deities.

    The translation of the edict (provided by Dr Li Tana from the Department of History and Politics of the University of Wollongong) read:

    "This edict is to recognize the Deity of Uai Dung [mighty and brave], nurtured by the middle hamlet, Dong Cac village Nam Xuong district, Hanoi province. The deity has protected the country and the people and has always responded to the people's prayers. (Nevertheless) he has never been granted a title officially (by the court). Recalling all the merits of the deity, a title of the Deity of Doan Tuc Duc Bao Trung Hung is now granted to him. The work of keeping the deity's temple will be carried out by the same village as usual. Please deity, be with us so that my people will be protected by thee. 18th November, the first year of Thanh Tha (1888)."

    Asian Art Department 2001