{"id":8236,"date":"2021-07-19T15:36:22","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T07:36:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=8236"},"modified":"2021-07-19T16:45:37","modified_gmt":"2021-07-19T08:45:37","slug":"emperor-thanh-thai-sword","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/emperor-thanh-thai-sword\/","title":{"rendered":"Nguyen Dynasty Sword Auctioned In US For USD50,000, Claimed To Belong To Emperor Thanh Thai"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nguyen Dynasty\u2019s centuries-old sword auctioned in the US<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Throughout Vietnam\u2019s many wars, numerous historic and cultural works of art, especially imperial artifacts, were destroyed. The few that survived the blaze of war have been preserved and exhibited in public museums.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, an imperial artifact came under the spotlight after some photos surfaced on a US auction website showing a <\/span>sword<\/b> claimed to have been made during the Nguyen Dynasty<\/strong> (1802-1945).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This centuries-old sword, according to <\/span>Kruse GWS Auctions<\/span><\/a>, had belonged to <\/span>Thanh Thai<\/b> (1879-1954), the 10th emperor of the last Vietnamese dynasty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Emperor Thanh Thai\u2019s sword fetches USD50,000 at auction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Emperor
\nImage credit: <\/span>GWS Auctions<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Measuring 81 cm in length and 10cm in width, the sword is claimed to have belonged to Emperor Thanh Thai.<\/p>\n

Though tarnished from time, it looks well-crafted with ornate decorations and delicate details.<\/p>\n

The sword is adorned with gemstones and a handle in floral forms. It is also graced with carved calligraphy marks and inscriptions in Sino-Vietnamese characters that read “Monarch Thanh Thai” and “Maintenance of Justice and Order”.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Emperor
\nThe inscription reads, “Monarch Thanh Thai\u201d<\/span><\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>GWS Auctions<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

According to the auction site, this sword was a family heirloom that had been passed down for many generations. <\/span><\/p>\n

It has survived 1,000 years of multiple dynasties and many wars, says Kruse GWS Auctions<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This antique was previously owned by a descendant of Vietnam\u2019s royal family who now dwells in the US and wishes to remain anonymous.<\/span><\/p>\n

While its value was estimated to fall between <\/span>USD350,000-USD400,000,<\/b> it was sold for <\/span>USD50,000<\/b>.<\/p>\n

\n

Emperor Thanh Thai was the 10th ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Emperor
\nImage credit: <\/span>Luu Tru Quoc Gia<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Thanh Thai, born Nguyen Phuc Buu Lan<\/strong>, was the 7th son of Emperor Duc Duc<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He ascended to the throne in 1889 at the age of 10, becoming the 10th monarch of the Nguyen family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Emperor
\nImage credit: Wikipedia<\/i><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/em>
\nAfter an 18-year reign, he was forced to abdicate by the French colonists for his patriotic inclinations and involvement in anti-colonial movements. He and his son, Emperor Duy Tan, were driven into exile in La R\u00e9union, an island in the Indian Ocean, in 1916.<\/span><\/p>\n

On 20th March 1954, he passed away in Saigon at the age of 75.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

We should make an effort to preserve historic artifacts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Imperial artifacts and classic works of art are valuable beyond measure, because they bear witness to the rich heritage of our country. They offer us a glimpse into the civilizations of the past eras and tell the stories of our roots that no words can.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully, we\u2019ll be able to unearth more treasures that are lurking away from our sight and restore them to their former glory.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re glad that the imperial sword has remained intact from the war and hope that it will continue receiving proper care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/span><\/p>\n