Little-known facts about "door locks"

VHO - In traditional architecture, doors are not simply entrances but are considered "air vents," places where family order and the outside world meet.

Visitors view an exhibition of sculptures depicting window eyes.

Amidst this massive structural system, small details such as the decorative finials (Chinese), the window frames (Hoi An), or the medallions on stone (Khmer) carry a dual mission: they are both the ultimate technical solution and a repository of a whole worldview of culture and belief.

"The hairpin" of the family home

Ancient people often personified the house as a living organism: the door was the mouth, the roof the hair. Accordingly, the "Môn trâm" (Men-zan) was like a hairpin, serving both to maintain structural order and to beautify the "face" of the homeowner.

Originating from the "piercing to fix" principle of Neolithic hairpins, the door pin was applied to wooden architecture as a vital mechanical solution. It is a wooden pin inserted through a beam, holding the pivot door frame, the main structural element of Chinese architecture, in place. By the Song Dynasty, the book "Ying Zao Fa Shi" officially standardized the door pin, transforming it from a rudimentary technical detail into a formal component of the mortise and tenon joint system.

However, from the Ming and Qing dynasties onwards, door pins transcended technical boundaries to become a "language of social status." The number of pins on the door implicitly determined the homeowner's position: high-ranking officials used four pins, commoners only two, while the imperial court used gold pins arranged in a nine-digit sequence.

Standing at the gate, looking at the door ornaments and door lamps, one immediately knows the social standing of the other party; this is the origin of the idiom "matching social status." Each ornament is also a "miniature scripture," where the Eight Trigrams of Taoism, the lotus flower of Buddhism, or the folk wishes for five blessings converge.

The gateway to Hoi An

The gateway to Hoi An

As that architectural and cultural flow moved south, blending with the bustling life of the Hoi An trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries, it transformed into a unique feature: the "eye" of the doorway.

According to the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, the ancient town currently preserves more than 200 different types of window frames. Each house possesses a unique pair of "window frames," varying from circular and square to hexagonal and octagonal shapes. Despite their diversity, the window frame structure adheres to the "center-rim" principle: the center depicts the Yin and Yang principle, the characters for fortune and longevity; the rim is carved with chrysanthemums, bats, or the Eight Trigrams.

Door eyes are considered a fascinating and unique architectural decorative detail that makes a strong impression on tourists and is a feature that helps "identify" wooden houses in the ancient town of Hoi An.

Initially, these window frames were simply a structural element, but gradually, the people of Hoi An creatively transformed them into various shapes (circular, octagonal, hexagonal, square, chrysanthemum petal shapes, etc.); in diverse colors; and adorned with numerous cultural motifs expressing wishes for good fortune (the characters for "fortune," "longevity," the Yin and Yang, the Eight Trigrams, etc.). From then on, window frames not only held architectural and artistic value but also acquired a deeper spiritual meaning, embodying profound cultural and religious values.

Researcher Phung Tan Dong argues that the "door eye" is a subtly simplified form of the worship of the Door God, the deity guarding the house's entrance. This is vivid evidence of the cultural exchange between Vietnam and China, creating a unique identity for Hoi An compared to other ancient cities in Southeast Asia.

Preserving the window frames in Hoi An

Famous ancient architectural relics in Hoi An's Old Town today, such as Tan Ky Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Old House, and the Old House at 87 Tran Phu, all possess unique window designs.

Generations living in these old houses have always strived to preserve the window panes intact over time, considering them the soul of the house, warding off evil and bringing peace to the home and the neighborhood. The window panes, along with the front door railings, are seen as subtle messages to visitors in the old town about proper etiquette and a friendly welcome to each guest entering the house.

In the heritage urban space of Hoi An, the window frames accompany the journey of the houses and ancient architectural relics, becoming a distinctive religious feature of the people of Hoi An, enduring as the soul of the town and also serving as an element to "identify" the urban area and wooden houses within the Hoi An Ancient Town World Heritage Site. Therefore, the story of preserving and conserving these window frames cannot be separated from the overall preservation of wooden architecture, the ancient town, and the cultural life of Hoi An's residents, linked to protective beliefs, traditional carpentry, and the architectural and urban environment of the ancient town.

In 2024, for the first time, the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center collaborated to organize an art exhibition showcasing a collection of 20 sculptures of window frames created by artist Bao Ly, a native of Hoi An who was born, raised, and works there. He meticulously researched, collected design information, and painstakingly crafted these sculptures using diverse and unique materials.

This is a heartfelt contribution from the artist, and also the most concrete and practical documentation, contributing to the preservation and recreation of the traditional cultural values ​​of Hoi An Ancient Town, while also serving as a way to preserve and introduce to the public the cultural values ​​and artistic essence of Hoi An's gateways.

Several practical conservation measures for Hoi An's window frames have also been proposed by cultural researchers, architects, and artisans. These measures emphasize that preserving Hoi An's window frames must combine traditional techniques, digital technology, and the consensus of administrators and the people. Only when the people see the cultural and economic benefits of preserving the window frames will their unique beauty within the overall heritage space be sustainably preserved.

Some suggestions include supporting traditional woodworking artisans who still preserve the techniques of making door frames by training and passing on the craft to younger generations. Digitizing and documenting the technical processes and styles of door frames throughout history is also recommended. Regulations and standards regarding the form of door frames, including proportions, patterns, techniques, materials, and colors, are needed to ensure adherence to traditional practices. This will prevent deviations and inaccuracies in the restoration and preservation of ancient houses.

When planning and preserving urban areas, it is essential to maintain the original state of the old town and historical sites so that the traditional facades of the doorways can fulfill their identifying function. Avoid excessive renovation of facades, advertising signs, colors, and lighting that obscure or disrupt the traditional layout of the doorways.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/chuyen-it-biet-ve-nhung-chiec-chot-cua-195609.html