Brian Jeffrey
Located under the Ong Buong bridge pier in District 6, HCM City, is a craft village known as ‘xom chua’ or ‘xom tuong Phat’ where artisans practice traditional crafts, particularly making Buddha statues.
This village is renowned for its multi-generational families specializing in crafting Buddha statues, with some families having a legacy spanning three generations. The exact founding date of this craft village is unknown, but it is evident that craftsmanship runs deep within the community.
Approximately 10 establishments in the village are dedicated to creating these statues.
Mai Van Kiet, the son of Artisan Mai Van Lai, shared that the tradition of crafting Buddha statues may have originated from the Giac Hai Pagoda in close proximity.
Kiet mentioned that his grandfather initially sculpted Buddha statues from jackfruit wood for Giac Hai Pagoda, sparking an interest among locals to learn the craft.
Over time, craftsmanship evolved from using jackfruit wood to cement and gypsum. Kiet, a third-generation artisan, highlighted that the legacy of crafting Buddha statues has endured for a century.
With meticulous attention, Tuan, aged 44, emphasized the complexity of handcrafting Buddha statues, underscoring the steep learning curve and the need to accumulate skill through experience.
The village’s enduring craftsmanship embraces traditional methods while adapting to changing practices. Each artisan infuses their unique touch into their creations.
Given the spiritual significance of Buddha statues, artisans must embody kindness, purity, and a gentle demeanor as they craft these revered symbols.
Many artisans in the village adhere to Buddhist practices, regularly reciting prayers and seeking divine guidance throughout their work.
The essence and aura of each statue are believed to be influenced by the artisan’s temperament and state of mind during the creation process.
These artisans, carrying the legacy of their ancestors, view their craft as a manifestation of their destined connection and dedicate themselves to preserving tradition with utmost sincerity.
The statues, priced from a few million dong to tens of millions of dong, serve as vessels of worship for numerous devotees, reinforcing the artisans’ commitment to creating pieces with integrity and reverence.
