Published:  00:00 Monday - August 10, 2009

Hanoi plans to propose 82 steles at the Temple of Literature to UNESCO for recognition as a world documentary heritage.

After aquiring recognition evidence that the steles are unique in their origin compared to those in Japan and China the Confucian values they represent including their calligraphy, design, significance and influence on Vietnamese culture.

Each stele is marked with the year it was erected, the names of writers and of their native villages plus the names of the calligraphers and sculpters. The top displays carvings of dragons and the moon, symbols of equilibrium and harmony between Heaven and Earth and phoenix (spirit) and clouds (knowledge).

The 15^th century works are simpler in design. Those from the 16^th century are more stylish and those made in the 17^th and 18^th century are more intricately decorated