Brian Jeffrey
Son Kieu Phong, aged 46, is the owner of the impressive wooden sculpture known as “Nhat Long Giang.” He has consistently rejected offers to sell it, including a notable $640,000 from a Hai Phong collector.
This remarkable piece, weighing 9 tons and measuring 6 meters in length and 4 meters in height, is currently showcased at Phong’s family café. It intricately weaves together elements of Vietnamese history, culture, and nature into a singular wooden art form.
Phong’s passion for wooden art is evident in his frequent searches for sizable tree roots to transform into beautiful sculptures. In 2019, he discovered a gigantic oil tree root in a local garden. After realizing that the tree was over 300 years old with a 2-meter root diameter, he acquired it, brought it home, and began to conceptualize his creation.
“The challenge of transporting it was immense given its size and weight, but I recognized its value as a unique treasure,” Phong remarked.
Eager to craft something impactful, he teamed up with master artisan Son Soc from Chua Hang, Tra Vinh, dedicating 14 months to perfect the artwork.
“Nhat Long Giang” stands out due to its dual-sided design carved from a single tree root. The front features the 12 zodiac animals from Vietnamese folklore, flanked by 12 doves that symbolize peace and prosperity. At the center lies a substantial clock displaying a map of Vietnam, complete with depictions of Ba Dinh Square, the Tra Vinh welcome gate, and the 12 Lac birds, all emblematic of Vietnamese heritage.
On the reverse, Phong illustrated 70 animal species, representing the diverse wildlife of Vietnam’s ecosystems, from land, sea, and air, emphasizing the need for conservation.
A striking touch is the clock hands positioned at 11:30 AM, marking the moment on April 30, 1975, when Saigon fell, heralding the reunification of Vietnam.
“This sculpture serves as a reminder of our collective history, rich culture, and the importance of environmental preservation,” Phong stated.
Upon its completion, “Nhat Long Giang” received recognition from the Vietnam Record Association as the largest two-sided wooden sculpture that embodies history, culture, and nature. The artwork subsequently attained international fame, awarded the title of Asia’s most unique two-sided wooden sculpture by the Asia Book of Records.
Despite repeated offers to buy the sculpture, Phong is steadfast in his commitment to not selling. “I wish for this masterpiece to symbolize our cultural and historical heritage, inspiring future generations. No sum of money can match the pride and significance embodied in this artwork,” he asserted.
