VietNamNet Bridge - In a small space in Hue city’s Dao Duy Anh Street, engraver Tran Huu Nhon, 75, puts the finishing touches on a highly intricate silver statue of Buddha.

Nhon engraves a silver figure of Quan The Am (the Goddess of Mercy).

Nhon, the last surviving engraver of an older generation, began his career in his uncle’s workshop when he was four and later worked for the Vinh Mau Jewellery Shop, a famous shop in Hue.

As Nhon gained more experience, his skills improved and he rose to the position of shop foreman.

A few years later, he opened his own shop Vinh Long, which eventually became one of the largest and most well-known in Hue.

His work continues to be in demand. One of his recent pieces, the Goddess of Mercy produced for the Hue Traditional Craft Festival last year, is a rare work in the country.

He is currently working on a statue for Buddha’s birthday which will be displayed in Ha Noi.

Since the Nguyen dynasty (1820-1945), many engravers have tried to preserve the trade, but few excellent craftsmen exist.

“Handicrafts are now mass produced and only a few people have chosen this career. When I see many products made by machine, I feel sad. Nobody can engrave highly sophisticated works now except me,” he said.

Even his sons have yet to reach their father’s level of skill.

Nhon says he will continue to make pieces and teach others to preserve the age-old tradition.

(Source: VNS)