Vietnamese King’s gold seal to be repatriated from France

The decision comes following negotiations between relevant Vietnamese agencies and the French auction house.

Millon has agreed to transfer the gold seal to the Vietnamese side in the spirit of consensus, understanding and the friendly relationship between Vietnam and France, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on November 14 evening.

The ministry said hearing about the news that imperial seal of King Minh Mang (1820-1841) would be put up for auction along with more than 300 antiquities hailing from or related to Vietnam on October 31, the ministry and relevant ministries and agencies have developed plans in an effort to bring the seal home.

An inter-agency working group was established to directly engage in negotiations with the French auction house. Millon postponed two tentative auctions, awaiting decisions from Vietnam.

Negotiations ended in success and the seal will be brought home.  

The two sides are working on relevant legal procedures in according to the two countries’ legal system so that the seal will be repatriated from France to Vietnam, the ministry said.