Giving souvenirs with the images of zodiac animals is a habit of many people in Vietnam and some Asian countries. It is believed that displaying a symbol of the zodiac during the year will bring good luck and happiness to the owner.
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| According to the oriental belief, the zodiac for the next lunar year will be the tiger. Thus, the 24 karat gold-plated tiger figurine is widely introduced in the market for being bought as a meaningful gift on the occasion of the upcoming Vietnamese traditional Lunar New Year. |
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The weeks leading up to Vietnamese traditional Lunar New Year’s Eve are the busiest time for artisans from Kieu Ky gilding craft village in Hanoi. There are many gold-plated tiger figurines needing to be completed and then given as Tet gifts. |
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| This beautiful 24K gold-plated tiger sculpture has the meaning of ‘wishing a New Year full of happiness and healthy’ to the gift-receivers. The artwork is made by an artisan from Kieu Ky Village. Located in Gia Lam District, Hanoi, the village is the birthplace of the 300-year-old trade and the only one in the country practicing it because the secret of making gold leaf is taught only to the villagers. |
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| Artisan Nguyen Thien Hung is the owner of Tan Hau gold-plated establishment, Kieu Ky Commune in Gia Lam District. The artist has been making gold-plated animals made of porcelain since 2015. |
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| According to Hung, the golden tiger is the mascot representing power in Vietnamese culture. The 24k gold-plated sculpture of tiger seating on the gold coins depicts the meaning of power, prosperity, and abundance. |
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Tiger is a more sophisticated figurine compared to other animals, thus the gold plating process requires meticulous attention from the artisans. Every day Hung makes two to three gold-plated figurines, depending on their sizes. A handcrafted work of gold-plated tiger figurine requires a series of manual steps. The tiger figurines before and after being gilded with 24k gold. |
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| The stage of the gold-plating process could only be performed by skilled artisans. The details are meticulously hand-finished for the final creation of a 24K gold-plated sculpture. Each of the finished works must undergo various stages such as painting, honing, gilding, and polishing. |
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| The 24K gold-plated tiger sculpture is a valuable and luxurious souvenir on the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Tiger. |
