Description: Vietnamese 19th C. Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Carved Exotic Composition Linh Mu Pagoda Scale Model (From a Vietnamese Royal Family) - This model is made of carved exotic composition and was the scale model of the Linh Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Celestial Lady) in the city of Hue in Vietnam. The pagoda was first constructed in 1601 on the order of the first Nguyen lords and was later expanded and refurbished several times including during the 19th century funded by Emperor Minh Mang. In 1844 the Thieu Tri Emperor, who succeeded Minh Mang, erected the Tu Nhn Tower which has become the unofficial symbol of the city. The monument was recognized by UNESCO World Heritage on December 11, 1993 as a World Heritage Site, and is legally protected by international treaties. This is a true modern day treasure, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Vietnamese history. This piece has excellent investment potential, as it is thought by experts around the world and avid collectors that due to the rapid modernization of Vietnam, Vietnamese antiques will within the next ten years be more valuable than Chinese antiques. According to some of the most expert collectors in the world, what used to sell for hundreds are now selling for tens of thousands. This piece comes from the estate of a Vietnamese Royal Family (the family now lives in the United States, and wishes to remain private as they still have relatives living in Vietnam). Measurements: 30" x 15" x 21".