Phung Hung Ancient House: A Historical Witness and a Masterpiece of Cultural Fusion
Hoi An - an ancient city with cobblestone streets, old houses hidden behind golden walls, carrying the breath of time and the imprint of history. Among them, Phung Hung ancient house, like a precious gem, shines brightly on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, attracting tourists with its unique architectural beauty and the historical stories hidden within.
History and Meaning of the Name: Where Cultural Essence Converges
Built at the end of the 18th century, Phung Hung ancient house is evidence of the prosperity of Hoi An trading port. The first owner of the house was a successful Vietnamese merchant, who named it "Phung Hung" meaning "Prosperous", reflecting his desire for a successful and prosperous business.
Unique Architecture: A Fusion of Three Cultures
Phung Hung ancient house is one of the prime examples of the unique cultural fusion in Hoi An architecture. The house bears the imprint of three architectural styles - Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese, creating a harmonious and unique whole.
Vietnamese Style: The system of wooden frames, horizontal and vertical beams, and traditional two-way roofs in the front and back sections creates the rustic and simple beauty of traditional Vietnamese house architecture.
Japanese Style: The "Tu Hai" roof (four-way eaves) in the middle section is a distinctive feature of Japanese architecture, reflecting the emphasis on nature and balance in design.
Chinese Style: The system of double doors, balconies, and intricate decorative motifs on wooden components bear the strong imprint of Chinese carving art, reflecting sophistication and finesse.
The seamless combination of these three architectural styles creates a unique whole, reflecting the cultural fusion and harmony between civilizations.
Building Materials and Unique Techniques: Enduring Beauty Over Time
Phung Hung ancient house is built in a tube-shaped house style, with a wide facade, with wood as the main material. Notably, the house has up to 80 precious ironwood pillars, all placed on stone bases to avoid direct contact with the ground, helping to extend the lifespan of the structure.
In addition, the roof trusses, pillars, beams, and rafters of the house are all made of jackfruit wood, a precious type of wood with high durability and good resistance to termites. The decorative details on the wood are intricately carved, demonstrating the talent of ancient artisans.
The combination of ironwood, jackfruit wood, and unique construction techniques has created a solid structure that has endured over time, proving the talent and skill of the ancients.
Living and Business Space: Preserving the Imprint of Time
Phung Hung ancient house is designed to serve both living and business purposes. The ground floor is used as a shop selling agricultural products such as cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, porcelain, glass, etc., while the upper floor is the living space for the family.
This place was once a bustling trading center, witnessing the development of Hoi An trading port, and is also where stories of family life, traditional values of the ancient town people are preserved.
Preservation and Enhancement of Value: National Cultural Heritage
After more than two centuries, Phung Hung ancient house has retained its pristine beauty and become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Hoi An. The house was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1993, contributing to affirming the cultural and historical value of the ancient town.
Today, Phung Hung ancient house is not only a unique architectural work but also a living museum, where visitors can learn about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the ancient Hoi An people.
A Fusion of History and Culture
Phung Hung ancient house is evidence of the diverse cultural fusion and prosperity of Hoi An trading port in the past. Visiting this house, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a part of Hoi An's history and culture, as well as admire a unique architectural masterpiece, where the essence of three cultures - Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese - converges.
Visit Phung Hung ancient house to immerse yourself in the flow of history, to feel the cultural fusion and unique architectural beauty of a golden age of Hoi An ancient town!
