Uncle Quy was once a shoemaker. In the 1950s, not many people wore shoes so he began carving inscriptions instead.

Quy carves inscriptions on wood, plastic and ceramic items.

There used to be lots of script-carvers, but now there’s only Uncle Quy. For the past 50 years, he’s served his customers under the ancient banyan tree everyday from 7.30 am until 6 pm.

No one else wants to learn this job, Uncle Quy says.

Depending on the difficulty of each inscription, Quy earns from 3000-10,000 dong (15 to 50 cents). In a month, he may earn one million dong ($50).

For Quy, carving is something he does for love, not money. Uncle Quy’s four sons all live overseas. He land his wife have a small house in Phuc Tan ward. Two married daughters often visit to help their parents.

If a customer wishes, Quy can also carve a miniature of Hoan Kiem’s turtle tower or The Huc bridge on items. He carved a gift pen for the German President nearly 20 years ago. Many foreign tourists are happy to take home pens carved by Uncle Quy.

Quy’s pal is a guard at the Ba Kieu temple. They talk with each other while he waits for customers.