The Organising board had planned to choose the best four dual sentences and four calligraphies, as well as complete engraving before the Tet holiday. However, such ambitions had been pushed back after the conference.

The hurried plan met the objection of many scholars, who complained that a single day in preparation was not befitting of such important work.

“Sooner or later, all of us will pass away,” said Doctor Cung Khac Luoc “It is future generations that will suffer from our hurry today”.

The two projects received 141 single calligraphies and 118 dual sentences since 2000.

According to scholars, there are many grammatical and literary errors in the works, as well as in the print collection that was delivered earlier.

The theme of dual sentences and single calligraphies is also a source of disagreement at the meeting. “They must be particular, not general”, agreed professor Phan Ngoc, “to praise the honourable character of each worshipped scholar, such as Chu Van An”.

Finally, scholars will have about 10 days to ponder the final collection. A trial version of the chosen artworks will be exhibited before Tet, while the gold engraving will be undertaken later.

The movement of writing cau doi (dual sentences) for the Grand Study House at the Temple of Literature ended with an exhibition on December 13.

Doan Diem