Meticulous, exquisite and eye-catching features have been seen from hand-sculpted coal souvenirs of Ha Long Bay made by artist couple Nguyen Tien Quyet and Nguyen Thi Binh at Group 8, Zone 8, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City. These new small-sized products could be perfect souvenirs for visitors.
Sharing the idea of creating the coal artworks, Mrs Nguyen Thi Binh, the owner of the coal sculpture workshop said:
“As my family heirloom, I’ve been sculpted coal for decades. We have often made coal souvenirs themed Ha Long Bay in different sizes and shapes. In late 2019, I made Ha Long Bay small-sized coal sculptures as gifts for friends and foreigners upon request. In the sculpture art, the round layout is immensly favored thanks to its special beauty and attraction combined with the amazing scenery on the bay. I believe that it is the small gift which leaves a deep impression on Ha Long”.
With the above-mentioned idea, the artist couple Quyet and Binh piloted to create original artworks. Accordingly, they decided to choose topics concerning Fighting Cock Islet, Incense Burner Islet, Luon Cave, sailing boats etc to make beautiful and highly symbolic images. To have high-quality works, the carefully crafted process that requires meticulosity, skill, aestheticism. The chosen coal material must be old, beautiful and pure without impurities
It takes them around one to one and a half day to finish a sculpture work, most of time for carving. The completed products are attached to the base by durable adhesives. The Ha Long Bay sculpture artworks will be ground or embossed with some landscapes.
Thanks to the great ingenuity, the handicraft artworks of artisans Quyet and Binh are highly appreciated by visitors. From early 2020, their workshop averagely produces 60-100 artworks per month. Currently, these products are being sold at souvenir shops in Ha Long City. Visitors can also visit the workshop and directly view the process of creating and buying works there.
Translated by Thu Giang
