A fragrant mark for future generations

Statue of architect Kazik in Hoi An. Photo: TTVH.HA

Many years ago, while walking on the ancient streets of Hoi An at dawn, on the road leading to the Japanese Covered Bridge, I saw a statue. When I approached, it was the statue of the Polish architect: Kazimierz Kwiatkousky (1944-1997).

Quang Nam people affectionately call him Kazik. He has made many contributions to the preservation of historical and archaeological relics in Hue , My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An.

Kazik paid attention to the special value of Hoi An ancient town. He made efforts to persuade the local government to take measures to preserve and restore Hoi An ancient town, while trying to introduce Hoi An's unique features to the world .

Persistently pursuing the principle of “archaeological” restoration, Kazik contributed greatly to the day Hoi An was officially honored as a World Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

More than 20 years ago, during a conversation with some officials, I tried to… casually ask: Suppose the old town had a short street, or a statue named Kazik, wouldn't that be a good thing?

And, Hoi An built a park right in the center of the old town, placing a bust of Kazimierz Kwiatkousky in December 2007 to commemorate his contributions. That is also the heart of the old town people towards the person who contributed to making Hoi An come back to life from under the forgotten dust of time.

Again, there was a vague information that Quang Nam would erect statues of some characters in the My Son World Heritage Site. The erection of statues was "right".

In My Son, there are some unforgettable names. They are Henry Parmentier, Louis Finot, Georges Maspero (French), who contributed to My Son, to the Cham Museum in Da Nang and to the works about Champa. And many others…

In July 2017, the homeland discussed this with four people expected to have statues erected. That is Henri Parmentier (1870-1949) - a Frenchman, with very valuable research works on Champa.

The second person was Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dong (1907-1986), who was instrumental in informing Philip Stenr to send a petition to the US President about the destruction of My Son relics by the US Air Force.

Third is Kazimier Kwiatkowski who contributed a lot of effort and time to the restoration of My Son relics. And the fourth person is Mr. Ho Nghinh (1915-2007), former Secretary of the Quang Nam - Da Nang Provincial Party Committee, who contributed to the protection of My Son valley in the late 1970s.

I was rambling again, who would be the author of the works? It seemed like a small matter but it was actually a big one. Because everyone knows, in our country, there are not many talented sculptors.

Over the years, there have been monuments and sculptures that, upon completion, were not “attractive” at all. Of course, such projects cost billions of dong!

It's the same story heard on the sidewalk, and it makes sense. That Quang Nam will choose worthy figures who have contributed to this land throughout the history of Dang Trong to erect statues.

To do, of course, is not too expensive. Is it possible to hold sculpture competitions to gradually have truly immortal works?

It all depends on the choice. Choosing right will leave a sweet mark for future generations.

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