Several invaluable royal treasures of the Nguyen Dynasty that reigned over Vietnam during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries are now on view at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi.

A total of 22 gold books and 10 gold royal seals are being displayed, a small portion of the 93 gold books of the Nguyen kings, who ruled imperial Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, currently in the possession of the National Museum of Vietnamese History.

Written in the books are records of important events and ceremonies of the royalty.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the collection is an invaluable property of Vietnam that represents an important historical phase in the country’s history.

Each of the artifacts not only carries in it historical value but also depicts the esthetics and craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans during the period.

This is also the first time items of such significance have been on show for public appreciation.

The exhibition is expected to last until early August.

A gold book crafted during the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1802-1820) on show at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A gold book crafted during the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1802-1820) on show at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The ‘De He Thi’ (Imperial Succession Poem), a poem issued during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang (1820-1841) dictating how his successors should be named. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Items on display at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A gold seal made during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang (1820-1841) on show at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A gold book crafted during the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1802-1820) on show at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A visitor appreciates the items on display at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A gold seal crafted during the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1802-1820) on show at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A gold book crafted during the reign of Emperor Ham Nghi (1884-1885) on display at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A chest used to store the gold books on view at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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