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| Nguyễn Tấn Phát finishing a snake-inspired piece of art. Photos courtesy of Nguyễn Tấn Phát |
HÀ NỘI An artist from Sơn Tây Township has crafted 45 statuettes inspired by images of the snake, the zodiac animal of 2025, to welcome the Lunar New Year.
The collection, entitled Thạch Ong Gấm Xà (Laterite in Snake Shapes), is crafted from jackfruit wood, lacquer and laterite. Every detail hides a meaning that Nguyễn Tấn Phát wishes to convey.
“They are not only handcrafted artistic products but also a symbol of culture and Việt Nam’s aspirations for development on the journey to 2045 - a milestone marking a new era, signifying a nation reaching for global prominence,” he said.
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| According to the artist, the image of the snake represents intelligence, strong fertility and resilience. |
The number of statuettes within the collection, 45, represents a vision for 2045, when Việt Nam achieves sustainable prosperity and modernisation. It also symbolises 45 years of development efforts from the present, highlighting the journey of building and protecting core cultural values alongside innovation.
The image of the snake represents intelligence, strong fertility, and resilience. In Vietnamese culture, the snake is regarded as the primordial ancestor of the dragon - a noble symbol of the nation. It is closely linked to Vietnamese agriculture, symbolising the water element, the source of life, abundance and prosperity.
Even the materials that the 42-year-old uses have their own meaning. Laterite, a typical material of Đường Lâm, the ancient village where he is based, is at the centre of the statuette as a symbol of the enduring cultural values and resilience of the nation, while the layer of lacquer covering the snake creates a brilliant, harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Việt Nam in the era of innovation.
"The snake is shaped in a modern, segmented form, tightly entwined with the laterite, symbolising strong development while always protecting and preserving the nation's traditions and culture,” Phát told Việt Nam News.
"The smooth lines of the snake represent creativity, flexibility, and adaptability - key elements in the development of Việt Nam."
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| The statuettes are also designed to function as an incense burner. Photo courtesy of the artisan |
Beyond its aesthetic and display purposes, the statuettes are also designed to function as an incense burner, helping to purify the living space and connect with the traditional beliefs of the Vietnamese people.
The collection is Phát’s fifth one inspired by the zodiac animal. In previous years, he launched statuette collections of buffaloes, tigers, cats and dragons.
Phát was born in Hà Nội suburb's Sơn Tây Town. As the only lacquer artisan in the town, he has contributed to passing down the craft to the next generation and inspiring young artists in his homeland, as well as creating jobs for dozens of locals.
He has won many awards, such as first prizes in the Hà Nội handicraft design competitions in 2014 and 2019, and the top prize in the Việt Nam Handicraft Design Contest 2020 with the “1,010 Lacquered Buffalo Statues” project.
His feline statue named Mèo Xứ Đoài (Cat of Đoài Land) won third prize in the Việt Nam Handicraft Design contest 2022.
In 2017, he was among the youngest artists honoured as a typical “Hà Nội Artisan” by the municipal People's Committee.
Phát’s unique collections of the zodiac animals can be seen at his studio in Đường Lâm Ancient Village in Sơn Tây Township. VNS
