In Chinese mythology, bats are a symbol for good luck, as the Chinese word foo, which means ‘good luck’, is a homonym of the word for bat. For this reason, it can often be seen in Chinese and Vietnamese art, as well as in architecture, both in its natural form and stylized as a logo, or both, as here on this Son Ta lacquer painted temple door.

Here, above the gate of a palace in Hue, Central Vietnam, the stylized form is actually the body of the bat in its natural form. Placed above or on doorways, it suggests a wish of good luck from the landlord to those who enter or leave.