REIGN OF S.M. DONG KHANH (1885-1889) - Lot 70

REIGN OF S.M. DONG KHANH (1885-1889) Large commemorative hanging for the death of Nguyễn Hữu Độ 阮有度 (1833-1888). Yellow damask silk embroidered with ideograms on a background of evanescent clouds in a polychrome frieze frame with auspicious motifs. Green-background silk border also embroidered, probably brought in. A high-ranking mandarin, Nguyễn Hữu Độ was an important historical figure during the Nguyễn dynasty (1802-1945). Born into a family of literati, he served in several important positions within the imperial administration. He is best known for playing a key role as administrator and statesman during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng, and for promoting the accession of Dong Khanh. He was appointed Imperial Governor General of Tonkin, becoming the emperor's highest representative in the northern kingdom. Inscription at the top 同慶戊子冬 "Winter of the year Mau Ty of the reign of Dong Khan", corresponding to the end of 1888. 北圻經略大使 永賴郡公 阮有度 (Kinh lược sứ du Bắc Kỳ Vĩnh Lại Quận Công Nguyễn Hữu Độ) "Nguyễn Hữu Độ, Imperial Governor General of Tonkin and Prince of the Commandery of Vĩnh Lại (former district of Hai Duong province in the Red River delta)" Dimensions: 250x213 cm. Late 19th-early 20th century. (Very good condition).