Veteran Pham Quang Phap poses with a picture of the Temple of Literature made from colored stone from his commune

The “King of stones,” has been making pictures with stones for two decades.

Phap, the former deputy chief in charge of military affairs of Phuoc Long Province, now Phuoc Long District of the southern province of Binh Phuoc, has enjoyed collecting colored stones since he retired in 1982.

Large areas of Binh Thanh Commune by the East Sea are covered with smooth stones that change colors with the light. It’s a common attraction for tourists.

After his retirement, the former military officer thought he should do something with these gifts from nature on his doorstep so he started to collect ones that had interesting shapes and colors.

After many years, Phap had obtained a huge collection but he hadn’t done anything with them. He began to create artistic works. First, he produced simple pieces by inscribing stones with ancient poems or verses. He eventually combined the stones to make pictures, for instance the Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), Chua Mot Cot (One-pillar Pagoda) and a map of Vietnam.

Phap says he needed several months to collect stones and choose ones with the right colors for his pictures.

After 25 years practicing his hobby, Phap has created hundreds of pictures. Many of them have been exhibited locally and abroad.

His house is like a small museum packed with his art and he welcomes visitors.

Phap says the precious stones are a part of nature’s treasure but they won’t last forever because lots of people come and collect them.

“I want generations to come to know they must protect nature’s gifts,” he said.

Reported by Que Ha