Japanese architect makes model of Vietnamese village gate

(VNF) - The Hanoi Museum received a model of the Mong Phu village gate crafted by Japanese architect Ejima Akiyoshi at a ceremony on March 16^th.

The 1:10 scale model of the Mong Phu village gate made by Japanese architect Ejima Akiyoshi. (Source: sovhtt.hanoi.gov.vn)

Made with rare woods, the model is 90cm long and 60 cm wide, with a height of 63 cm. It is equivalent to a 1:10 scale of the actual gate. All components can be detached and re-assembled to serve education purposes.

The Mong Phu village gate was built in 1553, consisting of unique architectural features. It was restored in 2008 as part of a Vietnam – Japan project.

Ejima Akiyoshi, who participated in the 2008 project, said the restoration and local memory on destroyed parts of the construction were his materials to make the model.

He said he is honoured to take part in joint projects between the two countries.

Ejima Akiyoshi and Mong Phu village gate model at the Hanoi Museum. (Photo: Hoang Nguyen)

According to Professor Phan Huy Le, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of History and Science, if the gate, somehow, is seriously damaged, the model will offer most of the needed details to rebuild it.

Ejima Akiyoshi also participated in research and restoration projects on some architectural buildings in the Hoi An ancient town, as well as ancient houses in Bac Ninh province and Hanoi’s Duong Lam Village.

In 2004, he was awarded the Vietnamese Government’s medal for cultural cause.

Mong Phu village gate.

According to Vietnam ancient architecture, a village gate was considered as the door of a house. That is why this architecture is like a signal to mark the outside with the atmosphere inside. Mong Phu village gate was built in 1553, Hau Le period, King Le Than Tong.

Mong Phu village gate is a construction in historical relics complex which combines well with village road, banyan tree, well, pond, bamboo rows and rice fields. Surrounding the gate is spacious atmosphere. Beside the gate is a 400-year-old banyan tree and faraway is green coconut trees./.

Compiled by VNF