A page among copies of four rare ancient documents that Japanese historical researcher Hasuda Takashi has just donated to the central province of Ha Tinh's Provincial Museum. -- VNS Photo Tran Phi Cong

HA NOI (VNS)– Historical researcher Hasuda Takashi from Japan's Niigata University has donated copies of four rare ancient documents to the central province of Ha Tinh's Provincial Museum.

Nguyen Tri Son, director of the museum, told Viet Nam News that the four documents were Chinese-scripted official letters on do (poonah) paper signed in 1609 and 1611.

Among the documents was permission from mandarin Van Ly Hau and dated May 13, 1611.

The document permits Japanese traders' ships to follow Lam River to dock at Phu Thach ancient quarter, which is now in Duc Tho District of Ha Tinh Province.

Mandarin Van Ly Hau, who was also known as Tran Tinh, was born in today's Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province.

Other documents show that Hau also offered help to Japanese traders when they met difficulties.

The ancient documents show that Phu Thach Old Quarter was prosperous at least 400 years ago.

The area was developed at the same time as Hien Old Quarter in today's northern city of Hung Yen and Hoi An Old Quarter in central province of Quang Nam.

Professor Hasuda said he found the original documents while searching for his materials at Naga Museum in Japan. – VNS