The Hue Monuments Conservation Center announced on 3/6 that the restoration of the Nguyen dynasty throne is complete. The national treasure is scheduled to be returned to Thai Hoa palace tomorrow. Hue Monuments Restoration Joint Stock Company carried out the restoration from 22/4 to 4/5 at the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, under the supervision of an expert council established by the Hue City People's Committee.

Ngai vang vua Nguyen duoc dat ben trong dien Thai Hoa khi chua bi pha hoai. Anh: Vo Thanh

The restoration adhered to strict conservation principles, aiming to preserve the original elements of the national treasure as much as possible. Experts utilized all existing fragments and minimized intervention with the artifact. The process involved meticulously cleaning the surface, treating pests and mold, rejoining the 14 fragments of the armrest, restoring the tenon joints, and addressing missing sections with materials compatible with the original.

During the finishing stage, experts applied traditional lacquer and real gold, followed by a thin protective layer to enhance durability without altering the artifact's aesthetic value. All work was filmed, photographed, and meticulously documented for long-term management and research.

Following the restoration, the damaged armrest of the Nguyen dynasty throne was fully repaired, ensuring its original shape, color, and dimensions were preserved, consistent with its national treasure documentation. The expert council affirmed that the restoration introduced no new patterns or details, thereby maintaining the artifact's original integrity.

Ngai vang trieu Nguyen sau khi duoc phuc che. Anh: Trung tam Bao ton di tich co do Hue

The need for this extensive restoration arose from an act of vandalism on 24/5/2025. Ho Van Phuong Tam, 42 years old, from Huong Long ward, Phu Xuan district, Hue City, purchased a ticket to the Hue Imperial City. Upon reaching Thai Hoa palace, Tam exhibited erratic behavior and was escorted to the rear of the palace by security staff. However, he returned, slipped into the display area of the Nguyen dynasty throne, began shouting, and broke the front left armrest into 14 pieces.

Following the incident, Tam was prosecuted, and the artifact was transferred to the storage facility of the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Investigators collected the fragments for examination and evidence. After legal procedures were finalized and expert opinions from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism were received, the Hue City People's Committee issued a restoration plan. An expert council, comprising heritage managers, researchers, and lacquer artisans, directly oversaw the entire restoration process.

The Nguyen dynasty throne, housed in Thai Hoa palace, is a unique artifact of immense historical and cultural value. The throne measures 101 cm high, 72 cm wide, and 87 cm long, with a base that is 118 cm long, 90 cm wide, and 20 cm high. Adorned with a magnificent gilded canopy, the entire piece is crafted from lacquered and gilded wood. In January 2016, the throne was officially recognized as a national treasure.

Vo Thanh