About to see Hoi An's door

Crowds of people viewing the exhibition. Photo: QUOC HAI

The thematic exhibition "Collection of door-eye sculptures by artist Bao Ly" was held 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).

Painter Bao Ly at the exhibition.

For many years, artist Bao Ly - a collector in Hoi An has measured, copied, and collected all kinds of door frames in Hoi An. From the idea of ​​restoring the original and adapting, artist Bao Ly introduces this collection.

Image of door eyes and sculptures. Photo: QUOC HAI

The image of door eyes has existed in Hoi An's architectural works 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...

The door is decorated with many cultural motifs. Photo: QUOC HAI

According to the concept of Hoi An residents, the door eye is the sacred eye of the architectural work, so it should be carefully preserved and creatively decorated with many styles and colors, expressing many cultural designs, praying for good luck.

The door eye is shaped like a bat, wishing for happiness, peace, and prosperity like "Five blessings come to the door". Photo: QUOC HAI

It is known that the image of Hoi An's gate combined with the Hoai River is the main shaping element of "Hoi An Garden" at the People's Park of Wernigerode City, Federal Republic of Germany. This is a project built in August 2023 - on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of establishing the twinning relationship between the two localities.

Image of the door at Ong Pagoda relic and the sculpture. Photo: QUOC HAI

Many styles and colors of Hoi An's door eyes. Photo: QUOC HAI

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/ve-xem-mat-cua-hoi-an-3145073.html