Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center
Inventory of Hoành phi – Liễn đối Systems at Special-Grade and Grade I Monuments in Hội An Ancient Town
The system of hoành phi (horizontal lacquered boards bearing Sino-Vietnamese inscriptions) and liễn đối (paired parallel sentences displayed vertically, often in calligraphic couplets) preserved in historic houses and religious establishments in Hội An Ancient Town is highly abundant and diverse. Maintained over centuries, it profoundly reflects the cultural life, beliefs, and intellectual traditions of the local community.
Ornamental horizontal lacquered board and parallel couplets at Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall
Beyond their decorative function, enhancing the solemnity and aesthetic value of heritage sites, these inscriptional objects convey layered meanings, including literary, historical-cultural, philosophical, and educational values. Through both content and form, hoành phi - liễn đối contribute to clarifying the significance of individual monuments and, more broadly, the World Cultural Heritage site of Hội An Ancient Town.
To establish a scientific database supporting effective management, research, conservation, and value promotion of this documentary heritage, while also providing a basis for nomination to municipal and national documentary heritage inventories, the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage has initiated a systematic inventory of hoành phi – liễn đối at special-grade and Grade I monuments within the Ancient Town. This inventory is conducted methodically in accordance with Circular No. 04/2025/TT-BVHTTDL (May 13, 2025) issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Through this process of identification and documentation, the Center will assess conservation conditions and potential risks, thereby proposing appropriate long-term measures for preservation, restoration, and value enhancement. The activity also aims to raise awareness among communities and heritage custodians regarding the safeguarding and sustainable promotion of this form of documentary heritage within the broader conservation of Hội An Ancient Town as a World Cultural Heritage site.
The horizontal lacquered board at Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall
To establish a scientific database supporting effective management, research, conservation, and value promotion of this documentary heritage, while also providing a basis for nomination to municipal and national documentary heritage inventories, the Hội An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage has initiated a systematic inventory of hoành phi – liễn đối at special-grade and Grade I monuments within the Ancient Town. This inventory is conducted methodically in accordance with Circular No. 04/2025/TT-BVHTTDL (May 13, 2025) issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Through this process of identification and documentation, the Center will assess conservation conditions and potential risks, thereby proposing appropriate long-term measures for preservation, restoration, and value enhancement. The activity also aims to raise awareness among communities and heritage custodians regarding the safeguarding and sustainable promotion of this form of documentary heritage within the broader conservation of Hội An Ancient Town as a World Cultural Heritage site.
Author: Research Department
Source: Hoi An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage
Older articles
