Imperial Throne of the Nguyen Dynasty to be reinstated
The Nguyen Dynasty imperial throne, a national treasure of Vietnam, is currently undergoing restoration following a vandalism incident that occurred on May 24, 2025. The restoration project aims to return the throne to its original condition while preserving its historical integrity, structure, colors, and authenticity.
History and Significance
The throne is a relic from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam. It is located in Thai Hoa Palace, which is part of the Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The throne consists of two parts: a lacquered and gilded wooden seat and base connected by four vertical posts. The armrests feature bat-leaf patterns and dragon-head finials, and the backrest is carved with the “dragon embracing longevity” motif.
Restoration Process
The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre and the Museum of Royal Antiquities are responsible for the restoration. Key steps include preparing the restoration site, retrieving the throne and broken fragments from storage, cleaning all components carefully, reassembling and stabilizing the damaged structure, restoring lacquer and gilding using materials and techniques compatible with the original, applying a thin, removable protective coating, and implementing anti-mould and dust prevention measures. The restoration follows strict conservation ethics to preserve as much original material and detail as possible without adding new parts unnecessarily.
Current State and Future Plans
After restoration, the throne will be returned to its original location at Thai Hoa Palace. Long-term preservation measures will be conducted in line with national heritage standards to maintain its condition and authenticity.
Context for Hue Imperial City
Much of the Hue Imperial City was destroyed during the Vietnam War, with less than 25% of original structures remaining today. Restoration of Hue Palace and its artifacts, such as the throne, is ongoing but complex, balancing historical preservation with structural integrity and partial war damage.
In summary, the imperial throne restoration is a carefully planned cultural heritage project designed to repair vandalism damage while respecting the throne's historic and artistic values, ensuring it remains a valued symbol of Nguyen Dynasty legacy in Hue City. The restoration is expected to be completed in due course, preserving this important piece of Vietnam's history for future generations.
[1] "Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Throne to be Restored after Vandalism" (2025, August 11). Vietnam News Agency. Retrieved from [https://vietnamnews.vn/ politics-diplomacy/2025/08/11/nguyen-dynasty-imperial-throne-to-be-restored-after-vandalism/]
[2] "Hue Imperial City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site" (n.d.). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved from [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/275]
[3] "Conservation Ethics for the Restoration of the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Throne" (2025, August 11). Hue Monuments Conservation Centre. Retrieved from [https://hmcc.gov.vn/en/news/conservation-ethics-for-the-restoration-of-the-nguyen-dynasty-imperial-throne]
[4] "Nguyen Dynasty" (n.d.). Britannica. Retrieved from [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nguyen-Dynasty]
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