14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM

Behold the unique collection of snake lacquer statues

Jenna Duong - Huy Pham

Jan 17, 2025 / 03:25 PM

Step into Vietnamese tradition and craftsmanship with the enchanting “Thach Ong Xa” collection of lacquered statues in celebration of the Year of the Snake, 2025.

This stunning collection of lacquerware called 'Thach Ong Xa' or laterite snakes, is made by talented artisan Nguyen Tan Phat from the ancient village of Duong Lam in Son Tay Town on the outskirts of Hanoi.

The collection features 45 intricately designed snake statues, each a masterpiece reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times

Handcrafted from locally sourced materials like jackfruit wood and laterite, these statues combine natural elegance with traditional craftsmanship.

Jackfruit wood, commonly found in rural areas of Vietnam, is expertly shaped into unique snake figures and then coated with layers of lacquer to enhance their beauty and durability.

Creating each statue is a meticulous process that takes several days to complete.

A jackfruit wood snake statue takes a day to carve and a week to varnish.

Laterite statues take about two weeks to carve.

In Eastern belief, the snake is the sixth animal of the zodiac, symbolizing intelligence, resilience, and vitality.

Each piece in the collection tells a story of craftsmanship, dedication, and Vietnam's cultural aspirations.

These exquisite works of art are available for customers at prices ranging from VND3 million (US$127) to VND5 million (US$211).

According to Nguyen Tan Phat, the “Thach Ong Xa” statue collection carries a powerful message of Vietnam's sustainable development.

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