A 568-year-old decree has been passed down through 19 generations to a farmer in North China's Hebei province. [Photo from Weibo]

568-year-old decree of emperor preserved in the hand of a farmer

A 568-year-old decree by a Ming Dynasty emperor honoring the parents of an official has been passed down through 19 generations to its current owner, a farmer in North China's Hebei province.

The decree was issued in 1447 by Emperor Zhu Qizhen of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to Guo Shixian, father of Guo Bin, a civil affairs official, for the son's contribution to the country.

According to the decree, the father was awarded an honorary title equal to the son's post. Made of silk, the well-preserved cloth is 192 cm long and 31 cm wide with a total of 135 characters.

The owner displays the decree.[Photo from Weibo]