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ARCHITECTURE & ICONOGRAPHY

 

 

 

  Khue Van Cac (scale model)

 

Vietnam

A scale model of Khue Van Cac (fig.), a Chinese-style two-storey pavilion in the Temple Of Literature in Hanoi (fig.), on display at the Hien Luong History Museum (fig.) in Hien Luong (Hiền Lương). This landmark building and symbol of Hanoi is also depicted on the green Vietnamese banknotes with a value of 100,000 Dong.

 

The structure on top has four circular windows, each inside a square frame, in which according to Chinese iconography the square shape represents the earth and the circle heaven while the spokes that attach the circle to the frame are reminiscent of the Buddhist Wheel of Law as represented in Tibetan Buddhism (fig.).

 

  Khue Van Cac (scale model)

 

  Khue Van Cac (scale model)

 

On top of the elaborate roof is a flaming pearl, which —arguably— may symbolize the pursue of wisdom or the Imperial protection thereof, which is plausible for this structure at the Temple of Literature, where once the annual Imperial Examinations were held.

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