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ARCHITECTURE & ICONOGRAPHY

 

 

 

  bats in Chinese-Vietnamese architecture

 

Vietnam

In Chinese mythology, bats are a symbol for good luck, as the Chinese word foo, which means ‘good luck’, is a homonym of the word for bat. For this reason, it can often be seen in Chinese art, as well as in architecture, both in its natural form and stylized as a logo, or both, as here on this temple door.

 

Here, above the gate of a palace in Hue, Central Vietnam, the stylized form is actually the body of the bat in its natural form. Placed above or on doorways, it suggests a wish of good luck from the landlord to those who enter or leave.

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  bats in Chinese-Vietnamese architecture