VietNamNet Bridge – King Ly Thai To’s royal proclamation to make Ha Noi the new capital city in AD 1010 has been reproduced in red lacquer and trimmed with gold. The reproduction will be unveiled to celebrate Ha Noi’s 1,000th anniversary in October 2010.

A real antique: Artisan Nguyen The Long gives final touch on the special calligraphy work.

The characters were placed on 12 sandalwood panels, symbolising the 12 months of the year, 12-year cycle of the lunar calendar and a symbol of long life for the country.

Thousands of brass screws were used to attach the characters to the base board, lacquered by artist Pham Xuan Binh from Bac Ninh Province. The Z117 Factory, under the Ministry of Defence, plated the work in gold. The piece was then assembled, framed and decorated with patterns typical of the Ly dynasty by painter Phan Cam Thuong.

The funds to create the 4.6m long by 3.9m high masterpiece were donated by the Calligraphy Club of the Viet Nam Association of Trade Villages.

In his royal proclamation King Ly Thai To (1010-28) pointed out that Dai La (now known as Ha Noi) was a central point where four directions of traffic intersected and where the people lived in prosperity.

The king said that this area should be set at the country’s capital city thereafter.

“The land here is spacious and flat, such a fresh spot and a hub of commerce for the whole country,” he wrote.

The lacquer reproduction will be on display at the Ha Noi Museum beginning in October 2010, the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of the capital.

(Source: Viet Nam News)