Hoi An displays a collection of sculptures about door eyes.

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the exhibition. Photo: QUOC HAI

Mr. Phan Van Quang - Deputy Director of Hoi An Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation Center said that the typical image of door eyes exists in architectural works in Hoi An from the 17th and 18th centuries to the present. This is a typical architectural detail solemnly attached to door frames, gates to communal houses, temples, clan churches, houses, etc.

Artist Bao Ly (far right) introduces her works. Photo: QUOC HAI

Hoi An residents consider the door eye as the sacred eye of the building, so they cherish and preserve it creatively, with many designs and colors, expressing many cultural designs, wishing for good luck. The door eye not only has architectural and artistic value but also gradually takes on spiritual meaning, containing cultural and religious values.

Restoring and replicating a set of door eyes in a house in Hoi An. Photo: QUOC HAI

Over the years, artist Bao Ly - a collector in Hoi An has painstakingly researched this cultural story and proceeded to measure, draw, copy images, and collect various types of door eyes. From the idea of ​​restoring the original, adapting the door eyes to preserve the unique cultural and artistic values, artist Bao Ly introduces a collection of 20 sculptures about door eyes.

The exhibition attracted a large number of viewers. Photo: QUOC HAI

The thematic exhibition "Collection of door-eye sculptures by artist Bao Ly" is one of the activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hoi An Ancient Town being recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage (December 4, 1999 - December 4, 2024).

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/hoi-an-trung-bay-bo-suu-tap-tac-pham-dieu-khac-ve-mat-cua-3144611.html