Pig figurines among favourite Tet items
VOV.VN - Clay statues of pigs are among the popular traditional figurines created by artisan Phung Dinh Giap in the northern province of Bac Ninh as the 2019 Lunar Year of the Pig fast approaches.
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| Artisan Phung Dinh Giap, 67, and his wife Nguyen Thi Dieu of Song Ho Commune in Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province, are among the few remaining craftspeople to make these popular traditional figurines. |
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| Clay statues are a traditional toy in Vietnam. Hand-made pig figurines are a popular item among the younger generation. |
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| Other popular figurines include turtles, birds, and people dressed in traditional clothes. In the build-up to the Mid-Autumn and Lunar New Year festivals, there tends to be an upswing in business as the demand for the figurines grows. |
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| It takes a significant amount of time for craftsman to produce the clay statues. Pig figurines symbolise prosperity and good luck. |
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| Each clay statue requires sophisticated detail. Giap’s wife Nguyen Thi Dieu filters the clay in order to produce a smoother final product. |
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| The clay needs to feel both smooth and cool. |
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| Each statue is hand-made. |
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| Statues are brushed with a white powder before they are painted. |
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| A set of hand-made pig figurines costs approximately VND300,000. |
