Paire de feuilles d'or impériales inscrites Vietnam, dynastie Le, XVIIE siècle

chacune couverte sur une face d'un texte incisé et repoussé, les caractères chinois à l'intérieur d'un double encadré et dans des colonnes verticales.

Acquis par Raphaël Marty après la chute de la cité Impériale de Hue en 1887; vente au cercle Nautique de Cannes, succession R.Marty, 19 et 20 mars 1929.

Each double leaf with some creases and folds to the metal (visible on the illustration in the catalogue), the third pinched hole from the top along the right edge of the largest double leaf is torn (visible on the illustration).There are gaps in the metal to the central spine where the two pages used to fold. Some light surface scratches. The colour of the gold is somewhat more orangey than the illustration would suggest. Please note that the weight of the first leaf is 218 g., the weight of the second is 334 g., for a total weight of gold of 552 g.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It is most unusual to find a gold book of this type and no other examples seems to be recorded. The book appears to have been made as an official gift to Empress Xiao Zhao, who was made the Great Empress Dowager of the Manchu Court in 1661.

The beginning oh the first page reads as follow : It began with the shattering of the palace gate, the early gathered celebration spreads over the country. Happiness, peace prevails in this boundless beautiful world, with respect and admiration, the heavenly spirit bestows on us again to shape our great plan.  In the style of symbol and prosperous deeds, I humbly lead the official to present this gold book with respect. The respected title says : Zhen Shu Ci jing Min Rui presents respectfully to Empress Xiao Zhao and bows at the foot of her majest's camp curtain. The second page reads as follows : The greatness of the land, makes the leaving of the country a hardship for the aged officials. With sound health and diligence, it is possible to build up this country, to unite the sea and the universe. I humbly accept the teachings and strictly dedicate myself to perfection. I humbly leads the officials.

This gold book provides a rare historical insight to 17th century Vietnam, when the Le dynasty was struggling to maintain peace between the northern Trinh Lords and the southern Nguyen Lords. Presenting such a precious object to a Chinese empress also demonstrates Vietnam's relationship with the Manchu Court and Vietnamese foreign policy towards its powerful neighbour. The language of the written text reveals strong Chinese influence whereby the ruler promises Confucian dedication an diligence to his officials and people, expressing his want to bring harmony and unity to his country.

Examples of writings on precious metals such as silver and gold are extremely rare, although earlier writings dated to the Tang dynasty (618-907) on silver tablets can be found. A set of 27 inscribed silver tablets of the Prajnaparamita Sutra was sold in our London rooms, 13 November 2002, lot 47; and a commentary to the Spring and Autumn Annals also on silver panels was sold at the same sale, lot 48.