Memory of the World; 2012 - unesdoc - Unesco

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Woodblocks of the
Nguy�n dynasty
Inscribed 2009
What is it
A collection of 34,555 plates of woodblock from the
Nguyễn dynasty (1802–1945) which record a range
of material, particularly official and government
literature and dynastic history as well as classic
and historical books.
Why was it inscribed
Woodblocks are relatively rare and especially valuable in
Vietnam and the collection contains material of historical
importance. It is also technically and artistically valuable
for what it reveals about the development of woodblock
carving and printing.
Where is it
State Records and Archives Department of Vietnam,
Hanoi, Vietnam.
The woodblocks were used to print books in the period
of the Nguyễn dynasty. The dynasty was prominent
intermittently in Vietnam between the 16th and
20th centuries, ultimately coming to an end in 1945.
The woodblocks were carved into Chinese or Chinesetranscribed
Vietnamese lettering, reversed out for printing
onto paper. Illustrations of pictures and maps were also
carved. This was the main means of printing books in
Vietnam for centuries. These blocks were made between
1697 and 1945.
The woodblocks represented one stage of the process
of printing in Vietnam at the time. Imperial records
contain the instructions to carve the woodblocks for
printing; the blocks were carved out; and the books were
printed. Consequently, the carved woodblocks form a
unique record of the books that were printed at the time.
254 Woodblocks of the Nguyễn dynasty
The Nguyễn dynasty set up a methodical administrative
system and the emperors enacted a variety of legal
documents which were used as important bases to govern
the kingdom. They keenly promoted book printing
in a range of subjects: articles of law, royal and noble
biographies, politics, foreign affairs and diplomacy,
religion, culture and education, histories and literature.
As books could only be carved by order of the emperor,
the woodblocks were considered a national treasure.
The blocks are thought to be carved from the wood
of the pear, apple, thi and nha dong trees – all woods which
retain the shape of the carvings. The blocks themselves are
works of art and testimony to the skills of the carvers who
created them.
Many of the items preserved on the woodblocks are rare,
including the History of the Unification of Great Vietnam,
the Royal Annals of Great Vietnam and poems and works
of literature written by emperors including Minh Mang
(1791–1841), Thieu Tri (1807–47) and Tu Duc (1829–83).
Once used to preserve information and communicate
it to the Vietnamese people, they now provide a valuable
source of information on Vietnamese history and
culture for historians and researchers. The progress
of woodcarving and printing techniques can also be
followed through the blocks.
At the tomb of Emperor Thieu Tri whose writings are
among those recorded in the woodblocks. The tomb is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. �